Roll of Honor
Michael T. Murphy
Incident
Special Agent Michael Murphy was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary in progress in South Pekin, Illinois. A train had arrived at the South Pekin Rail Yard with a load of alcohol shortly after midnight. As Agent Murphy approached the car he interrupted a group of people attempting to break into the car. One or more of the men in the group opened fire on him, striking him several times. All of the suspects fled the scene and were never identified or apprehended. Agent Murphy had served with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department for 28 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his son, two daughters, and brother and is buried at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, Illinois.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-RR-B790A23E- 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
28 years. You could have gone home.
Special Agent Murphy gave the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department 28 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Agent Murphy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Agent Michael T. Murphy 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%.
At Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department, 14 of 18 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 77.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael T. Murphy's cause is highlighted.
How Michael T. Murphy Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael T. Murphy is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael T. Murphy was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
17 officers from Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
