Police Officer John J. McGrath, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri

Police Officer John J. McGrath

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Tuesday, December 6, 1921

John J. McGrath

Police Officer John McGrath was shot and killed when he attempted to search two juvenile brothers near St. Louis Avenue and Kingshighway Boulevard.

As he began the search one of them produced a .32 caliber revolver and shot him in the chest. He was able to return fire but did not strike either boy.

The two boys were apprehended and charged with Officer McGrath's murder. Both were acquitted after a jury concluded their confessions could not be used as evidence.

Officer McGrath was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for two years. He was survived by his expectant wife.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
Offender Acquitted

juvenile offender, suspicious person

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Most Recent Reflection

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Your heroism and service is honored today, the 90th 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
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, PPD, eow 4/24/05

December 6, 2011