Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Lyons Kelliher was shot and killed by a 17-year-old AWOL soldier in a night club at 2801 W. Warren Avenue. He and his partner were making a routine investigation to check reports that the club was a hangout for narcotics addicts. As they were questioning the suspect he drew out a pistol and shot Detective Kelliher twice in the chest. The subject then shot Detective Kelliher's partner in the right hand and in the right foot preventing him from returning fire. The subject was later captured running through a park. Both detectives were rushed to Illinois Research Hospital where Detective Kelliher succumbed to his wounds. The subject was convicted of Detective Kelliher's murder and sentenced to 199 years in prison. Detective Kelliher was the son of retired Captain Patrick Kelliher.
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BO-US-IL-77BBCA58- Stewardship
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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.
Detective Kelliher gave the Chicago Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Kelliher.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Lyons Kelliher 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.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Lyons Kelliher's cause is highlighted.
How Lyons Kelliher Compares
Offender Outcome
Cause: Gunfire
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lyons Kelliher is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Lyons Kelliher was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
