Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective James Shea was shot and killed after responding to a clothing store at 814 Davis Street where a man was attempting to pass a bad check. While in the store, Detective Shea, another officer, and the store owner questioned the man. At the moment when it was determined the man was being dishonest, he pulled out a handgun and opened fire, striking Detective Shea in the chest three times. The other officer returned fire, striking the suspect three times as well. The subject had a history of mental illness and was a deserter from the United States Army. He was convicted of murder and sent to prison and two mental institutions, but was released in 1935. Detective Shea had served with the Evanston Police Department for 7-1/2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents who lived in Ireland and whose support he provided for.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-F8A88BF5- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Shea gave the Evanston Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Evanston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Shea.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective James J. Shea 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 Evanston Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James J. Shea's cause is highlighted.
How James J. Shea Compares
Offender Outcome
Released in 1935
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James J. Shea is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James J. Shea was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Evanston Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
