Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer David Farnsworth was killed when he was assaulted by two brothers after he pulled them over for a traffic violation. The suspects were able to gain control of Officer Farnsworth's flashlight and beat him with it. Both suspects, ages 19 and 23, were convicted of Officer Farnsworth's murder and sentenced to 75 to 150 years in prison on July 21st, 1976. On February 11th, 1977, the 19-year-old suspect collapsed and died while playing basketball at Menard State Prison. Officer Farnsworth was a Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Danville Police Department for 2½ years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-F0D3E146- 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
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Officer Farnsworth gave the Danville Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Danville community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
David Lee Farnsworth served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Officer David Lee Farnsworth 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 Danville Police Department, 2 of 2 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. David Lee Farnsworth's cause is highlighted.
How David Lee Farnsworth Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 75 to 150 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David Lee Farnsworth is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David Lee Farnsworth was killed by blunt object.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Danville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
