Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert Tatman was shot and killed in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop at W. Church Street at Mattis Avenue. At 1:05 a.m. Officer Tatman radioed he was making a traffic stop. He did not give a description of the vehicle or a license plate. At 1:10 a.m. a passing motorist used the radio in Officer Tatman's squad car to notify dispatch that there was an unresponsive policeman on the stop. Officer Tatman was found down near his squad car suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene. Evidence showed Officer Tatman was shot with his own duty revolver at close range. His murder remains unsolved. Officer Tatman had served with the Champaign Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-6D8ACFB7- 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 Robert. 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.
Patrolman Tatman gave the Champaign Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Champaign community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Tatman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert L. Tatman 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 Champaign Police Department, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert L. Tatman's cause is highlighted.
How Robert L. Tatman Compares
Offender Outcome
Case remains unsolved
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert L. Tatman is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert L. Tatman was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Champaign Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
