James A. Mulcahy

Chicago Police Department — Chicago, IL

Felonious

End of Watch August 23, 1920

Age 29

Badge 536

The Vigil Panel 39 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 570

Incident

Officer James A. Mulcahy was shot to death in the Pekin Inn, 2700 South State Street. by an assailant who also killed his partner, Officer William Hennessey. The officers were ordered there to report upon conduct of the place and its inmates. Upon their arrival, an offender approached and attacked Officer Mulcahy. As his partner, Officer William E. Hennessey, ran to his aid, the offender shot and killed both officers. Two men were arrested and held by the coroner. Both men were indicted in August, 1920; On October 20, 1921, both were acquitted. One of the suspects died in a horse riding accident in 1923 and the other suspect died in 1939.

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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 Mulcahy served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Mulcahy.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department Chicago Police Department

Location Chicago, IL

Platform Identity cpd.cook.il.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch August 23, 1920

Age 29

Badge Number 536

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Gun; Unknown type

Offender Acquitted

Patrolman James A. Mulcahy 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.

Chicago Police Department

396

of 571 officers

69.4% Felonious

IL — Statewide

842

of 1,318 officers

63.9% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious