Lake County Sheriff's Department, Illinois
End of Watch Tuesday, June 15, 1976
Add to My HeroesGary Dean Murphy
Deputy Sheriff Gary Murphy was shot and killed after responding to a report of a woman firing a handgun outside of her home.
The 51-year-old woman was upset that children were playing on a nearby school playground and fired her gun. As Deputy Murphy and another deputy attempted to disarm the woman they were both shot and Deputy Murphy was fatally wounded.
In June of 1977 the suspect was found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed at the Elgin Mental Health Center. She had a release hearing in 1985 but her release was denied after she made the statement that she was still a danger to herself and others.
Deputy Murphy had served with the Lake County Sheriff's Department for eight years and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 29
- Tour 8 years
- Badge 99
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Not guilty by reason of insanity
Most Recent Reflection
View all 32 ReflectionsI would like to say Rest In Peace Deputy Murphy, but your shift has not ended. You have been reassigned to the toughest District you will ever patrol. Watch over us, as you patrol us. Keep us safe from those that would do us harm. You do not patrol alone in your current assignment. To many brothers and sister are reassigned to serve with you each year.
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your picture and badge hang on the wall as a reminder that you are helping to keep us safe.
You have not had a day off in 41 years. For 41 years you kept us safe 24/7/365.
You will never be forgotten.
Anonymous
LCSO
June 16, 2017
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