Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Spellman was shot and killed while attempting to arrest three drunken men creating a disturbance on 19th Street. After giving them a warning he attempted to arrest them. One of the suspects shot him twice, fatally wounding him.
The suspect was arrested the next day and charged with Policeman Spellman's murder. He was sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CO-EC7CDB60- 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.
Policeman Spellman served with the Denver Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Denver community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Spellman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman John Spellman 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 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 11.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
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. John Spellman's cause is highlighted.
How John Spellman Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 10 to 15 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Spellman is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Spellman was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
73 officers from Denver Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
