Patrolman Earl K. Leonard

Patrolman Earl K. Leonard

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Sunday, June 9, 1929

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Earl K. Leonard

Patrolman Earl K. Leonard was shot and killed during a traffic stop.

He had stopped a traffic violator and was in the process of an arrest when a friend of the offender approached and shot him at the intersection of Lotus Avenue and Madison Street.

The 21-year-old suspect was arrested, convicted of first-degree murder, and sentenced to life in prison. On September 15th, 1939, during an escape attempt he and two other lifers slipped drugs into the coffee of 11 guards leaving two in critical condition. On September 29th, 1952, he was released from prison after it was determined the trial judge gave an instruction to the jury that was ruled unconstitutional in 1935.

Patrolman Leonard was survived by his wife and four children.

Bio

  • Age 38
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge 4558

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Released in 1952

traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

Patrolman Leonard,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

June 9, 2019

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