Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in Peace, Officer Edwards. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

January 14, 2012

I just wanted to post ~ it fills my heart to hear stories about my father Mike. I was so young when he passed and his murder remains such a mystery to me. I wanted to thank you for your stories.

Tobie
Daughter

August 25, 2011

I just found this page and am flooded with the memories of this wonderful man. I was 11 years old and lived across the street from Mike. My parents divorced when I was 4 and I lived with my brother, mother, and grandmom (whom became friends with Penney.) Mike arranged to take me and my brother to the school down the road to play some baseball. We had a great time and he even bought us slushies at the 7-11 across the street - real "all American" kind of stuff. It was such a huge boost to our family to have such an amazing father figure in our lives again, even if he wasn't ours.

I vividly remember everything about him, but most of all his kindness toward us. He seemed to be a very gentle man and it's hard for me to think of him as a police officer since we so infrequently saw that side of him (though we sometimes saw a squad car or him in uniform).

Just wanted to post here and say how much he meant to me in the short time I knew him. I think of his gentleness & kindness often and I think it has informed my life as a father. I wish his family the very best.

Richard Green
Neighbor

August 11, 2011

Hello fellow PD and others looking at this MANS legacy and the hurt and pain will NEVER go away . I only hold onto the fact that I will see YOU AGAIN!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE ALL YOU RETIRES AND OTHERS THAT WERE AROUND way back when i was a 6 yr old little girl that "lost" her SWEET GENTLE UNCLE!!!! PLEASE TAKE THIS ONE EXTRA STEP......please!!!! there is a face book page ran by my cousin the officers little 6 yr old girl he left behind imagine HER PAIN if I HUR T THIS MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE DONT STOP YOURSELF IF YOU THINK YOU might remeber something please lets NOT LET MANY MORE DAYS GO BY WITH THIS MEANCE OUT THERE!!! come brothers in blue...let "get em"........BOKK EM DANO!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this has haunted his mother now she might not live to see this crime ever have cloursure would ANY of you want that for your mom?grandma??????? DIDNT THINK SO!!!! this facebook page is for our family NOT THE LAPD OR THE ODMP!!!!!
PLEASE?????????????????????????????????????
i <3 you uncle mike <3

Jennifer anne edwards baker
niece

May 31, 2011

Mike and I worked together shortly before his death. Mike was one of those all American nice guys with a shy smile. The fact that I remember Mike that way is a compliment to his walk in life. There are many theories about his death and who was responsible but nothing has been proven. Perhaps someday the for sure answer will come forth. To Mike's family, know that your father remains alive in the memories of many of his ex partners.

Sgt Dave Reynolds
LAPD (rtd)

December 28, 2010

Dad~ This year I will honor your memory on May 5th at the LAPD memorial at thier new memorial wall. and again for a momemt of silence May 10th with friends on your facebook page In Memory of Slain LAPD Policeman Michael Edwards ( already 100 fans) Allways In my heart

Anonymous

May 3, 2010

Officer Edwards - I retired from LAPD after 30 years, in 2007. I saw an old partner who was working RHD before I pulled the pin, there. He was on a lead on you case. They were doubtful, yet hopeful. The point is, they were and are still working on your case. Thanks for your service to the people of Los Angeles. May God grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.

Chief K. Moreland (Ret. Sgt.)
Palmer Lake, CO PD (Ret. LAPD)

April 15, 2010

your memeory is with us always....never forgotten. our family is being reunited. you would be proud. always in my thoughts

jennifer baker
neice

September 8, 2009

Michael, Tobie read my reflection and sent me an e-mail to let me know your story and her kind words brought tears to my eyes. My first husband too was murdered in 1984 and like you, his murder remains unsolved.
You would be proud of your daughter and the heartfelt love she shares with other suriviors.
I hope to meet Tobie one day when she returns to Washington DC for Memorial Week. I am sure we have both experienced similar feelings. It is an odd bond but there are so many of us out there who continue to fight for the resolution of fallen officers whose murders remain unsolved. God Bless You for your sacrifice.

Terri Bowman-Hundley
Trooper Johnny Bowman's Widow

June 10, 2009

Michael Edwards may you be honored. This is Police Week in DC and Tobie & I have met so many people that have shown so much Love & Respect for your memory. The LAPD have proven true on their promise to "Not forget". I am so blessed to be here with your daughter. The Memorial Wall with your name is overwhelming & emotional. We hope to return every year to honor your memory. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful best friend. Love you!
Jackie

Jackie Humphrey
Family Friend

May 16, 2009

God Bless the family & friends of Officer Michael Lee Edwards.

Retired PO
City of Miami PD Fla.

May 11, 2009

Dad: This year on the anniversary of your passing May ,11 1974
I will be honoring your memory at the National Police Memorial in Washington DC during Police week. I will always carry you in my heart!

Anonymous

May 9, 2009

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been a long time since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Edwards.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 16, 2008

Thank you Officer Edwards for your service to the City of Los Angeles. I hope that your family is comforted by the prayers and thoughts of those that love and miss you.

CIVILIAN
LAPD

October 8, 2008

Mike-

we'll get the people who did this to you,if its the last thing we do. you were and will forever be the best cop I ever knew.

Robbery-Homicide Lieutenant
LAPD

September 24, 2008

Yesterday I visited the 77th St. Station for your memorial with your daughter. Although I though I was born 9 years after your death, to your late wife, I grew up knowing the pain it caused my loved ones; my mother, sister and brother. Now that my Mom is with you in heaven, I am grateful you are there with her. However, it still doesn't make it right that you were so brutally taken from this world. Yesterday, I sat and watched your brothers in blue continue to mourn you Mike. I think the bigger crime is that your murder(s) have never been put to justice. I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful children of yours. I have some awesome siblings thanks to you. You may not have been able to see them grow, but I can look in there face as their sister and still see yours.

Rest In Peace

Brandi Chopyak

September 4, 2008

Sir, I was only 3 months old at the time of your death. I never heard of you or your tragdey until I read your memorial today. You are a hero and to this police officer your memory is etched in my brain forever. You will never be forgotten and justice will be served. Rest in peace, I will never forget you!

Police Officer M. LaFramboise #1270
Independence Missouri Police Department

July 6, 2008

Penny Edwards passed away May 15, 2008.
She recently attended the memorial service at Elysian park May 5, 2008. I know my dad was always on her mind and it was the deepest wish that the family had closer. Thank you officer Michael D. McKinney, that’s exactly the kind of thing my mom would be GREATFUL to hear.
Tobie

May 20, 2008

Mike -
Hard to believe the memories of this day 34 years ago are still so vivid. I remember a lot, & can still see Lon, your partner's ashen face in my mind's eye. Along with hundreds of brother officers. I can see the chapel, too. As you were no doubt up there watching you know that I was the last one to leave your final resting place.
Stuck in denial I just could not bring myself to believe that it was you that we had lost. I had to wait until the grounds keepers were through & had left before I could finally put my idling Plymouth into gear & drive away, dumbfounded & in tears.
Why do we always lose the best ?
You'll remember that we worked together for a while in the hellhole that was 77th Street in '72. My locker was about three to the left of yours and I will always remember your quick, shy smile & your sometimes maddening upbeat demeanor as we chatted, getting ready for roll call.
You were always the consummate professional & seeing your name next to mine on the assignment board for the next day's shift always put me in a better mood.
There were some great guys down there in 77th, but there were never enough like you. And I know your partners felt the same as I did.
You touched more lives than you can ever know.
I don't get down south to California much these days but as always I will stop by & say 'hi' again when I do.
Your late August birthday and May 11 and 15 are always on my calendar for reminders.
And I know you won't mind if I quietly hoist a small glass of Irish in your memory on these days.
You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten.
All the best, partner.

Michael D. McKinney, Policeman
LAPD 16819, Ret'd, Ex-Partner in 77th

May 16, 2008

ON THIS DAY THE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR DEATH, WE ARE HONEING YOUR MEMORY, WE ALL PRAY THAT SOME DAY SOON YOU CAN TRULY BE AT REST. MAYBE THIS YEAR WILL BE YOUR YEAR! I LOOK BACK ON ALL THE REFELECTIONS AND SEE THAT YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN, MAYBE THEY WILL LOOK INTO THIER HEARTS FOR YOU THIS YEAR AND COME TOGETHER TO SOLVE THIS TRAGEDY.

NEVER FORGOTTEN

May 10, 2008

Officer Edwards, you are not forgotten. I know this horrendous crime may not have been solved, butyour killer will one day face judgement. Thank you for your service. We will always remember and carry on the fight.

Detective
LAPD

May 9, 2008

As we approach the 34th anniversary of your death, we all wish that closure would come. You brother and father are with you now. Your mother is still with us and I know that she wishes nothing more, but to find closure in this senseless crime. If anyone has any ideas of what may have happened let's not let another year go by so that you may rest in peace finally. We think about you everyday Michael. Your son and daughter have grown. I know they both wish peace for you. Hopefully there are fellow officers out there that may remember or think of small incident that may help. I just wanted to say that I am remembering you today and that I haven't forgotten and sometimes it seems like yesterday. May you soon be able to rest.

Penney Edwards_Chopyak
Wife

March 22, 2008

God has already solved this murder. We just have to
wait for Him to tell us when and if we see Him. Time
has not diminished your service or sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

January 3, 2008

After reading the reflections of Officer Edwards’s partners and fellow officers, I strongly encourage all of you to join together in solving this murder. The family has a right to know and to have some sort of closure to this senseless crime.

If you are already actively working this case, then thank you. If not, why not?

Family: Please accept my deepest sympathy for your tragic loss. This one was especially hard to read.

Security Officer
Connecticut

November 3, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 17, 2007