Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer James McDowell responded to a tavern to assist a citizen at 43rd Street and State Street. After talking to the citizen, he suddenly pulled a revolver and shot Officer McDowell. Though wounded, Officer McDowell was able to assist in subduing his assailaint. The wound suffered by Officer McDowell proved to be fatal. The suspect was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to two years. He was released in less than a year. Officer McDowell served with the Chicago Police Department for 14 years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-F34C336D- 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 James. 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
137 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Patrolman McDowell gave the Chicago Police Department 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James McDowell 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. James McDowell's cause is highlighted.
How James McDowell Compares
Offender Outcome
Released in 1890
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James McDowell is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James McDowell was killed by handgun; revolver.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
