Detective William J. Murphy, Chicago Police Department, Illinois

Detective William J. Murphy

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Monday, August 15, 1955

William J. Murphy

Detective William Murphy was shot and killed on the Roosevelt Road elevated train platform while arresting a robbery suspect.

Detective Murphy spotted the suspect and was in the process of placing him under arrest when the suspect pulled a second revolver, shooting Detective Murphy in the chest.

Sixty men from homicide and robbery swarmed the area. A report was received that the gunman car-jacked a citizen and forced him to drive him to the intersection of Dearborn and Madison.

The gunman was arrested at a later date, convicted and executed for the murder in December of 1958.

Detective Murphy was assigned to the Central District at 11th and State. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

Age 34
Tour Not available
Badge 7438

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Executed in 1956

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

Hi,

I'm your great granddaughter, Shelby. I heard you were a truly great man. I'm only 10 years younger than you were when you passed away. I wish I could've met you. We have such an amazing family who has been through a lot and I'm so grateful to be part of it. I'm your daughter Rita's granddaughter from her son Bill. She's the best woman in the world. She's always so strong & positive even with everything she been through, it's beautiful. I love her. Love all my family...

Shelby Gannon
Great Grandaughter of Detective Murphy

March 20, 2015