Roll of Honor
Nelson Smith
Incident
Police Officer Nelson Smith was shot and killed during an armed robbery while off duty in Chicago at approximately 9:10 pm. Three subjects had just attempted an armed robbery in front of 61 East 29th Street when one of the suspects went to a nearby bus stop planning to commit another armed robbery. As Officer Smith exited a bus, the suspect approached him from behind and placed a gun in his back. When the suspect discovered Officer Smith's badge he fatally shot him in the back, stole his service weapon, and fled. The suspect was apprehended, later convicted of murder, and sentenced to life in prison. Officer Smith had served with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services Police for one year and was assigned to the State of Illinois Center in Chicago. He had previously served with the Oak Forest Hospital Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-FBECF349- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Nelson. 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
You barely got started.
Police Officer Smith gave the Illinois Department of Central Management Services Police 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Nelson Smith 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Nelson Smith's cause is highlighted.
How Nelson Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Nelson Smith is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Nelson Smith was killed by gun; unknown type.