Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Luther McMahill was shot and killed when he encountered a group of robbers. He had just finished his shift and riding his bicycle home when he observed the men. As he shined his flashlight at them the suspects opened fire striking Policeman McMahill in the chest. It is thought that the killers may have been the same suspects who shot and killed Colorado Springs, Colorado, Chief of Detectives John Rowan the previous day. Two of the suspects were shot and killed in Los Angeles County, California, following a shootout in which Deputy George Van Vliet, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was shot and killed.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-5FA5DCF3- 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 Luther. 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.
Policeman McMahill served with the Denver Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Denver community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman McMahill.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Luther McMahill 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 CO, 235 of 360 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 65.3% of this state's fallen. That is 65.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Denver Police Department, 55 of 74 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 74.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Luther McMahill's cause is highlighted.
How Luther McMahill Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Luther McMahill is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Luther McMahill was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
73 officers from Denver Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
