Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective John Gilley was stabbed to death while sitting in a courtroom attending a hearing for two suspects he had arrested. One of the suspects was sitting behind Detective Gilley and produced a knife and stabbed Detective Gilley in the back of the neck. Detective Gilley and two other detectives opened fire on the suspect, killing him. Detective Gilley succumbed to his wound two days later. The second suspect escaped during the turmoil and was never captured.
Survivors
Detective Gilley was survived by his son, mother, and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KS-C43DC096- 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 John. 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.
Detective Gilley served with the Kansas City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Kansas City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective John W. Gilley 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 KS, 237 of 335 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.7% of this state's fallen. That is 16.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Kansas City Police Dept., 16 of 20 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John W. Gilley's cause is highlighted.
How John W. Gilley Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John W. Gilley is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John W. Gilley was killed by edged weapon; knife.
Others Who Wore This Badge
19 officers from Kansas City Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
