Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Lawrence Murphy and Patrolman Henry Bell were shot and killed by a robbery suspect. While on patrol, Patrolman Bell and his partner noticed a gray sedan that answered the description of a getaway car used in a recent robbery. The vehicle was stopped on Watertown Street near the intersection of Capital Street. After questioning the occupants, their suspicion was aroused, and while Patrolman Bell stood by the car, his partner took the cruising car to the nearest patrol call box to check with headquarters on the registration. At this same time, Patrolman Murphy called into the station and was sent to the scene on his motorcycle. Meanwhile, the female operator of the vehicle diverted Patrolman Bell's attention and disarmed him. She then handed the gun to the male passenger, a known criminal and jailbreaker, who put the gun in Patrolman Bell's back and ordered him to drive the car. As they drove away, Patrolman Murphy overtook the car and forced it to stop. As Patrolman Murphy dismounted from his motorcycle, the suspect opened fire on Patrolman Murphy, striking him. The suspect then turned his gun on Patrolman Bell, fired two rounds into his right side, and fled. Although seriously wounded, Patrolman Murphy rose to his knees and fired at the fleeing suspect, hitting him at least once. Patrolman Bell died at the scene. Patrolman Murphy was removed to the hospital, where he died the following month from his wounds. The female suspect was captured at the scene. A week later, the male suspect was captured in an apartment in Dorchester in a raid led by the Newton Police Chief. He was later found guilty of murder and executed. Patrolman Murphy had served with the Newton Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MA-FBEBD68A- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Murphy gave the Newton Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the West Newton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Murphy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Lawrence E. Murphy is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,756 officers honored here.
In MA, 199 of 469 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.4% of this state's fallen. That is 42.4 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Newton Police Department, 3 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Lawrence E. Murphy's cause is highlighted.
How Lawrence E. Murphy Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Lawrence E. Murphy is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Lawrence E. Murphy was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Newton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
