Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Walter Lilly was shot and killed at 12:25 a.m. while resting robbery at the hands of two unknown bandits. Patrolman Lilly was working an off-duty job in a parking garage at 458 West 79th Street when he was accosted by two armed offenders announcing an armed robbery. As Patrolman Lilly attempted to draw his service revolver, he was fatally shot by one of the assailants. Two youths were arrested but released due to a lack of evidence. One was killed in a car crash in 1947 as he tried to outrun the police.
Survivors
Patrolman Lilly was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-C5D37FBD- 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
You barely got started.
Patrolman Lilly gave the Chicago Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Lilly.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Walter E. Lilly 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. Walter E. Lilly's cause is highlighted.
How Walter E. Lilly Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter E. Lilly is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter E. Lilly was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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