Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Ernest Mueller was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle just east of Frankfort. Several youths had noticed the vehicle and notified Constable Mueller. The constable and his son drove to the area and located the vehicle a short distance away. Constable Mueller stopped the vehicle and informed the driver that he would have to return to Frankfort for questioning. As Constable Mueller stepped onto the running board the occupant opened fire, killing him instantly. Constable Mueller's son and the other youths took Constable Mueller to a local funeral home. The suspects were located several days later and were pursued a short distance. The male subject was able to flee on foot but the female subject was taken into custody. The male remained at large for eight years until being arrested in Toledo, Ohio, after becoming severely frozen while hitchhiking, resulting in the amputation of both of his feet. No charges were filed against the suspect in Illinois because of the amputation and the belief that his criminal career had ended. Constable Mueller had served with the Frankfort Police Department for only two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-IL-263DCF93- Stewardship
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- 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.
Constable Mueller served with the Frankfort Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Frankfort community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Mueller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Ernest Mueller 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 IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ernest Mueller's cause is highlighted.
How Ernest Mueller Compares
Offender Outcome
Arrested in 1932
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ernest Mueller is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ernest Mueller was killed by gun; unknown type.