Trooper John S. Burke

Trooper John S. Burke | Michigan State Police, Michigan
Michigan State Police, Michigan
Trooper John S. Burke

Michigan State Police, Michigan

End of Watch Monday, October 13, 1930

John S. Burke

Trooper Burke was shot and killed after stopping two bank robbers in St. Joseph County. He had been notified of the robbery and stopped the men on a county road. While he searched one of the suspects the second suspect shot him in the back three times. The suspects then drove over his body before fleeing.

Both suspects were apprehended four hours later just across the state line in Indiana. Both were convicted of Trooper Burke's murder and sentenced to life. In 1933 one was adjudged insane and committed in the state mental hospital at Flint. In 1948 the other suspect was awarded a new trial, convicted of second degree murder, and sentenced to 7 to 15 years.

Bio

  • Age 23
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life
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Most Recent Reflection

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Your heroism and service is honored today, the 81rst anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mom of fallen officer Larry Lasater

October 13, 2011

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