Patrolman David F. Keating, Chicago Police Department, Illinois

Patrolman David F. Keating

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Tuesday, September 20, 1949

David F. Keating

Patrolman David F. Keating was shot and killed when he stopped two youths carrying a suspicious package. As Officer Keating went to investigate, one of the youths pulled a revolver from the package and shot him nine times. Both suspects, ages 16 and 17, turned themselves over to the police a few hours later and were charged with Officer Keating's murder.

The 17 year old suspect was convicted of Officer Keating's murder and sentenced to death. It was determined that he was the one who shot Officer Keating. On April 18, 1951, his sentence was commuted to 199 years. The murder charge against the other suspect was dropped.

Patrolman Keating was a WWII veteran.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 10 years
Badge 2259
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Sentenced to 199 years

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David Keating was my uncle, and the father of my Aunt Dorothy and my four cousins, who were children at the time. As I've been told, my Aunt ran hysterically into the street upon hearing of her husband's murder. She never remarried, and passed away a few years ago of natural causes. My cousin Bob, who looked liked David, and was the youngest child, followed his father's killer to ensure justice was carried out. Bob died of melanoma shortly before his mother died. My cousins were orphaned, and raised by their single Mom. All grew up honoring the memory of their father.

Randy Kay
Nephew

May 16, 2015