Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Edward Murphy was shot and killed as he and his partner responded to a burglary in progress at the Atlas Building on Long and High Streets in Columbus. During the exchange of gunfire, Patrolman Murphy was mortally wounded. His partner returned fire and shot the subject in the leg. The suspect was captured and put to death in the electric chair. Patrolman Murphy's partner, Patrolman John P. Sears, was killed when he fell from the same building while executing a search warrant the following year. Patrolman Murphy had served with the Columbus Division of Police for 13 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his father and siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-FA298EAA- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Murphy gave the Columbus Division of Police 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbus community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Murphy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Edward J. Murphy is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Columbus Division of Police, 36 of 59 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Edward J. Murphy's cause is highlighted.
How Edward J. Murphy Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edward J. Murphy is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Edward J. Murphy was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
58 officers from Columbus Division of Police are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
