Roll of Honor
Incident
Corporal Paul Deguch was shot and killed while questioning a suspect who was riding a bike in a high drug traffic area. The suspect produced a handgun and shot Corporal Deguch several times, including once in the head, as he was being searched for weapons. Corporal Deguch was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds one hour later. The 16-year-old suspect was arrested three hours later and charged with murder. On July 9, 1999, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Corporal Deguch had served with the South Bend Police Department for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, a 2-month-old daughter, and two young sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-FE241C6B- 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.
Corporal Deguch gave the South Bend Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the South Bend community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Deguch.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Corporal Paul Richard Deguch 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 South Bend Police Dept., 11 of 15 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 73.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Paul Richard Deguch's cause is highlighted.
How Paul Richard Deguch Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Paul Richard Deguch is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Paul Richard Deguch was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from South Bend Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
