Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Michael Murtaugh was shot and killed during a robbery investigation at the intersection of W 19th Street and S Leavitt Street. Patrolman Murtaugh observed a disturbance in the street and upon further investigation discovered the three offenders had just robbed a dry goods store. Patrolman Murtaugh confronted the men as they attempted to escape in an automobile. The subjects began to fire their weapons at Patrolman Murtaugh, fatally wounding him. On January 17, 1925, Patrolman Murtaugh's killer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. Patrolman Murtaugh had served with the Chicago Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-F0BCAF89- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Murtaugh gave the Chicago Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Murtaugh.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Michael Murtaugh 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 Police Department, 396 of 571 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Michael Murtaugh's cause is highlighted.
How Michael Murtaugh Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Michael Murtaugh is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Michael Murtaugh was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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