Roll of Honor
John J. McGrath
Incident
Police Officer John McGrath was shot and killed when he attempted to search two juvenile brothers near St. Louis Avenue and Kingshighway Boulevard. As he began the search one of them produced a .32 caliber revolver and shot him in the chest. He was able to return fire but did not strike either boy. The two boys were apprehended and charged with Officer McGrath's murder. Both were acquitted after a jury concluded their confessions could not be used as evidence. Officer McGrath was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-5C222E1C- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer McGrath gave the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Louis community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
John J. McGrath served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Police Officer John J. McGrath 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 MO, 516 of 813 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.5% of this state's fallen. That is 9.3 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, 112 of 176 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John J. McGrath's cause is highlighted.
How John J. McGrath Compares
Offender Outcome
suspicious person
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. McGrath is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. McGrath was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
175 officers from St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
