Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman George Murphy was shot and killed at the Cook and Whitby Circus by a circus employee.
The subject was having a confrontation with a bystander when he drew a pistol and shot Policeman Murphy three times as the officer attempted to arrest him.
The man was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to nine years in prison December 7th, 1893.
Policeman Murphy was survived by his wife, six children, and parents.
Survivors
Policeman Murphy was survived by his wife, six children, and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-A8B9C847- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
133 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Policeman Murphy served with the Martins Ferry Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Martins Ferry community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman George Murphy is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 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 57.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Martins Ferry Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. George Murphy's cause is highlighted.
How George Murphy Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. George Murphy is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. George Murphy was killed by handgun; pistol.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Martins Ferry Police Department are honored on badge.nw.