Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Charles Rajchinetz was shot to death in front of his home. The only clue the police had is that a green automobile with four occupants was seen speeding away. Patrolman Rajchinetz's movements are known up to within six minutes of the time he was shot. He was on the night shift from 8:00 p.m until 6:00 a.m. Station records showed he made his hourly report by telephone from an East Chicago restaurant. He then left for home, a block away, in a taxicab. No suspects were ever apprehended. Patrolman Rajchinetz had served with the East Chicago Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-372CEF28- 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.
Patrolman Rajchinetz gave the East Chicago Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Rajchinetz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Charles Rajchinetz 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 IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At East Chicago Police Department, 8 of 8 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. Charles Rajchinetz's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Rajchinetz Compares
Offender Outcome
Never apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Rajchinetz is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Rajchinetz was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from East Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
