Richard Fitzgerald

New Orleans Police Department — New Orleans, LA

Felonious

End of Watch June 10, 1898

Age 36

The Vigil Panel 14 ›

Gender Male

Incident Service The Sacrifice Department 127

Incident

Corporal Richard Fitzgerald was beaten, shot and killed at the corner of Alix and Bouny Streets by three men he attempted to arrest for disturbing the peace. Patrolman Michael Hanley who came to his aid was beaten so badly by the three that he never recovered from his injuries and died as a result on May 10, 1900. All three were arrested. One was acquitted and the other two were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. One was pardoned in 1908. Corporal Fitzgerald was survived by his expectant wife and two sons. His wife died four weeks later as the result of a miscarriage.

Survivors

Corporal Fitzgerald was survived by his expectant wife and two sons.

In Our Keeping

Permanent identifier: BO-US-LA-3B01FE73
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 Richard. 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

128 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Corporal Fitzgerald served with the New Orleans Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the New Orleans community. Gone but never to be forgotten.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department New Orleans Police Department

Location New Orleans, LA

Platform Identity nopd.orleans.la.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch June 10, 1898

Age 36

Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Felonious

Weapon Gun; Unknown type

Offender Sentenced to life

Corporal Richard Fitzgerald 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 LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.

At New Orleans Police Department, 86 of 128 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 67.2% of this agency's fallen.

New Orleans Police Department

of 128 officers

67.2% Felonious

LA — Statewide

364

of 595 officers

61.2% Felonious

Nationwide

17,623

of 32,508 officers

54.2% Felonious