Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Norvell Ray was shot and killed when he responded to a home where a man had just shot a woman at 1423 Russell Avenue in East St Louis. As Patrolman Ray stepped onto the home's porch, he was shot in the head. He attempted to return to his patrol car but collapsed. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The 71-year-old suspect was taken into custody by other responding officers. He was convicted of Patrolman Ray's murder, sentenced to life in prison, and denied clemency in 1962.
Survivors
Patrolman Ray was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-947373DE- 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 Norvell. 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 Ray served with the East St. Louis Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the East St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Ray.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Norvell Ray 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 East St. Louis Police Department, 18 of 22 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 81.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Norvell Ray's cause is highlighted.
How Norvell Ray Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Norvell Ray is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Norvell Ray was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
21 officers from East St. Louis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
