Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John O'Brien was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance on Marshall Street, between Hancock Street and Clay Street.
Four drunk men had started to chase another man who had been involved in an argument. One of the drunk men fell and Patrolman O'Brien, who was nearby, attempted to help him up. Another one of the men from the group saw Patrolman O'Brien helping the man and opened fire, wounding him in the abdomen.
After falling to the ground Patrolman O'Brien returned fire and wounded the subject. The man was arrested a short time later and charged with murder. Two of the other men were also charged in connection with the shooting. The man who shot Patrolman O'Brien was convicted of murder and sentenced to three years in prison.
Patrolman O'Brien was taken to a local hospital where he died two days later.
Patrolman O'Brien had served with the Louisville Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-979E76EA- 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
129 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman O'Brien gave the Louisville Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John T. O'Brien 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Louisville Police Department, 51 of 91 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John T. O'Brien's cause is highlighted.
How John T. O'Brien Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 3 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John T. O'Brien is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John T. O'Brien was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
90 officers from Louisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
