Incident
Officer Edward Setzer was shot and killed while searching for a burglary suspect in the Gladwyne area. As he investigated an unoccupied vehicle parked on the shoulder of a road, he was confronted by a male suspect. A struggle ensued, and Officer Setzer was shot in the chest. The suspect was apprehended, and an investigation showed that he had been involved in a series of burglaries and sexual assaults in the area. The suspect was sentenced to life in prison. Officer Setzer had served with the Lower Merion Township Police Department for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-04E6D8AD- 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.
Officer Setzer gave the Lower Merion Township Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Ardmore community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Setzer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Edward Michael Setzer 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Lower Merion Township Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Edward Michael Setzer's cause is highlighted.
How Edward Michael Setzer Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edward Michael Setzer is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Edward Michael Setzer was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Lower Merion Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
