Deputy Sheriff Gary Dean Murphy, Lake County Sheriff's Department, Illinois

Deputy Sheriff Gary Dean Murphy

Lake County Sheriff's Department, Illinois

End of Watch Tuesday, June 15, 1976

Gary 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 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 was released in April of 1979.

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

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Not guilty by reason of insanity

Most Recent Reflection

View all 32 Reflections

I 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