Roll of Honor
Incident
Auxiliary Police Officer Elwood Darby was stabbed to death in front of 1321 N. Redfield Street when he intervened in a domestic dispute while off duty.
As he drove through the area he observed an argument in front of the residence involving a juvenile who was arguing with the father of a girl he wanted to date. Officer Darby identified himself as a police officer and instructed the father and girl to go into their house. The juvenile boy then attacked Officer Darby, stabbing him in the chest and back with an eight inch butcher knife.
Officer Darby was transported to Misericorida Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
The juvenile, 17, was arrested at his home and charged with murder. His juvenile record revealed he was convicted eight times for various crimes. As four officers were walking with the boy to their cars, a large crowd, unaware of the stabbing, attacked them. Several officers had to be dispatched to restore order. Two involved, the suspect's father and brother, were arrested for interfering.
Officer Darby was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
Survivors
Officer Darby was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-D0E23AC7- 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 Elwood. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Auxiliary Police Officer Darby served with the Philadelphia Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Philadelphia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Auxiliary Police Officer Darby.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Auxiliary Police Officer Elwood Darby 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 PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Philadelphia Police Department, 162 of 378 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 42.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Elwood Darby's cause is highlighted.
How Elwood Darby Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Elwood Darby is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Elwood Darby was killed by edged weapon; knife.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
377 officers from Philadelphia Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
