Detective Sherman C. Griffiths

Detective Sherman C. Griffiths | Boston Police Department, Massachusetts Detective Sherman C. Griffiths | Boston Police Department, Massachusetts
Boston Police Department, Massachusetts
Detective Sherman C. Griffiths | Boston Police Department, Massachusetts Detective Sherman C. Griffiths | Boston Police Department, Massachusetts
Detective Sherman C. Griffiths

Boston Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Thursday, February 18, 1988

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Sherman C. Griffiths

Detective Sherman Griffiths was shot and killed while serving a narcotics warrant at an apartment, at 104 Bellevue Street, with other officers in the Drug Control Unit.

As Detective Griffiths attempted to hammer down the door with a sledgehammer, shots were fired from inside and he was struck once in the head. The suspect and weapon were found inside of an adjoining apartment. Detective Griffiths succumbed to his wounds the next morning.

The suspect, an illegal immigrant, was acquitted of murder charges in 1990 after his trial was moved to a different part of the state in a change-of-venue. After the trial, the INS deported him back to his native Jamaica.

Detective Griffiths was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Boston Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters. Following his murder, five of his brothers joined the Boston Police Department as police officers.

Bio

  • Age 36
  • Tour 8 years
  • Badge 567
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Wednesday, February 17, 1988
  • Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
  • Offender Deported

narcotics, illegal alien, plainclothes, search warrant

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That this man died because he was doing his duty breaks my heart. There is no greater love than that which is expressed by our armed forces, police and ems professionals. They go into harm's way and sometimes don't come out.

I honestly don't understand where the bravery comes from but I am so grateful that these men and women have it, with the overarching desire to protect the rest of us.

All of us need to give honor to each of our military and police members. They go where we won't and they protect us in far more ways than we can ever know.

Your service matters. I am so sad when your service ends with the loss of your life.

God be good to you.

Thank you so much.

I will pray for you and your family.

Beth

I am not a police officer. I am not a member of the armed forces. I am a nurse.

I come from a long line of firefighters, police officers, attorneys, doctors and lawyers. A motley crew to be sure. I am grateful for all these amazing men and women do to

Elizabeth W Tordella

November 3, 2019

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