Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Friday, July 17, 1970
Add to My HeroesJames L. Severin
Sergeant James L. Severin and Patrolman Tony Rizzato were shot and killed by gang members while patrolling community housing for an all-volunteer "Walk and Talk" project.
As the officers proceeded across the Seward Park baseball field, the assailants opened fire from an apartment window. Both officers were mortally wounded in the attack.
The purpose of the shooting was to seal a pact between two rival gangs. Three adults and one juvenile were later apprehended and charged with murder. The two shooters, ages 17 and 23, were convicted of murder and sentenced to 100 to 199 years in prison. As of September 3, 2020, both were in prison.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour Not available
- Badge 1319
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle
- Offender 100-199 years in prison
Related LODD Deaths
Patrolman Anthony N. Rizzato
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: July 17, 1970
Most Recent Reflection
View all 53 ReflectionsCANNOT EVEN BELIEVE 50 YEARS,I AM SO SO SORRY SEVERIN FAMILY.
I GUESS YOUR DAD FINALLY HAD HIS REQUEST GRANTED, MY FAMILY IS GOING TO ACCEPT THE CITY AWARD.
KATHLEEN JURKOWSKI
LT.DENNIS JURKOWSKI'S WIFE
September 23, 2020
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