Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Murphy was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who was causing a disturbance at a polling place near High Street and Broadway on Election Day. The man, who was running for councilman, was screaming about election fraud as Officer Murphy attempted to arrest him. Another officer came to assist Officer Murphy, and at the same time the man's son came to his father's aid. It is unclear as to exactly what happened next, but a gunfight resulted as all four drew their pistols. Officer Murphy and the son were killed. The father and the other officer were severely wounded.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-535DBF3D- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Michael. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Officer Murphy served with the Lexington Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Lexington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer Murphy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer Michael 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 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 76.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Lexington Police Department, 8 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael Murphy's cause is highlighted.
How Michael Murphy Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael Murphy is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael Murphy was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Lexington Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
