Prev
John George McNamara
Incident
Policeman McNamara was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man he caught stealing coal from the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad near Curtis Bay, Maryland.
When the officer grabbed the man from behind, the suspect turned and fired a shot from a .38 caliber revolver, striking Policeman McNamara in the chest. The suspect then fled the scene as Policeman McNamara fell to the ground.
The suspect was arrested the following day and taken to the Baltimore City Jail to prevent him from being lynched. The man was convicted of murdering Policeman McNamara and was executed and hung on July 21, 1905.
Policeman McNamara had been appointed to the police force in May 1904.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpy73wtbkevh093970xw- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman McNamara served with the Anne Arundel County Fifth Election District Police.
Thank you for your service to the Millersville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman McNamara.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Anne Arundel County Fifth Election District Police has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 195 officers killed feloniously in MD, 51.6% of the 378 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1905, 2 officers in MD were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 104 years on record. The heaviest was 2000, with 6.
In 1905, 81 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1905, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 45. Of the 178 killed feloniously in MD whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43.8; the middle age was 35. John had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 45. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 45. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.2% of these deaths in MD; June holds the most, 11.8%. Tuesdays: 15.4%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Anne Arundel County Fifth Election District Police. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.6% of all 378 deaths in MD, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 1.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Anne Arundel County Fifth Election District Police has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Anne Arundel County Fifth Election District Police are honored on badge.nw.