Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Orville Quinnette was shot and killed by two holdup men during a shootout on North Park Avenue. Both had escaped from a prison work farm the previous day. Both suspects, 26 and 28, were later arrested and sentenced to life in prison. In 1951 the Indiana Supreme Court granted both a new trial. They were again found guilty of murder and sent back to prison for life. In 1961 they were released after a judge ruled they had been misrepresented at trial. On February 16, 1962, they both were involved in a gun battle with police in Lafayette after robbing a store. Rather than being taken alive, one shot and killed himself. The other suspect surrendered, was convicted of armed robbery, and sent back to prison for 12 years. Sergeant Quinnette had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, sister and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-1D1FA5FE- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Orville. 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.
Sergeant Quinnette gave the Indianapolis Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Indianapolis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Quinnette.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Orville E. Quinnette 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 97,756 officers honored here.
In IN, 311 of 504 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.7% of this state's fallen. That is 61.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Indianapolis Police Department, 38 of 59 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Orville E. Quinnette's cause is highlighted.
How Orville E. Quinnette Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Orville E. Quinnette is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Orville E. Quinnette was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
58 officers from Indianapolis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
