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

Deputy Sheriff Gary Dean Murphy

Lake County Sheriff's Office, Illinois

End of Watch Tuesday, June 15, 1976

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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 on Muir Avenue in Knollwood.

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 was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Lake County Sheriff's Office for eight years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 8 years
Badge 99
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Monday, June 14, 1976
Weapon Handgun
Offender Not guilty by reason of insanity

shooting call, EDP

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God of Justice, I am grateful for the lives and sacrifices of all America’s Peace Officers. They died serving us. Help us never forget. Help us celebrate their lives and honor their sacrifices. Be with the families of these fallen peace officers. Comfort them and give them Your strength and peace. Guide us as we seek to take care of the families of these fallen heroes. May we care for them with integrity. In commemorating the deaths of these fallen heroes, help us also to remember that death is not the end. Death does not have the final say, but is simply the transition from this earthly life to the heavenly life yet to come. This assurance was guaranteed to all believers upon the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We look forward to that life to come with joy and anticipation. Thank You, Lord God, for hearing this prayer. In the mighty and holy name of Christ Jesus, Your dear Son, I pray. Amen.

Holy Scripture References:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 15, 2025