Prev
Incident
Detective James Madden was shot and killed by two brothers who were seeking revenge against police for the arrest of their brother-in-law. The brothers, who were intoxicated, had gone to the police station and reported they had been robbed of $8 by a prostitute. Detective Madden and another detective accompanied the men to the alleged crime scene at 709 Walnut Street to investigate. When they returned to the car they found the two brothers asleep in the back. As Detective Madden awakened them one of the brothers drew a pistol and stuck it in Detective Madden's chest. A struggle ensued and the suspect shot Detective Madden in the stomach and chest. The suspect was shot by return gunfire as the other brother fled on foot. Both men were taken into custody. It was later found that the two had made up the robbery story in order to lure the detectives away from the police station. The shooter was convicted of murder and sentenced to prison. He was denied parole in 1922. Detective Madden had served with the East St. Louis Police Department for nearly 3½ years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn3h365gxd2zjd4fxb9e- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. 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.
Detective Madden gave the East St. Louis Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the East St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Madden.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
East St. Louis Police Department has lost 22 officers; 18 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1916, 3 officers at East St. Louis Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1916, 13 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 31. Of the 17 killed feloniously at East St. Louis Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 45; the middle age was 43. James had served 3.4 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 31. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. James had served 3.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 31. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 3.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 3.4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 5.6% of these deaths at East St. Louis Police Department; February holds the most, 16.7%. Saturdays: 33.3%.
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Saturdays: 15.8%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 81.8% of all 22 deaths at East St. Louis Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
East St. Louis Police Department has 22 officers remembered here, James among them.
-
Thomas Reedy May 5, 1903
-
Patrick Gill
Sep 6, 1908
-
James J. Arnold
Feb 11, 1913
-
Marion League
Feb 27, 1916
-
James P. Madden Aug 5, 1916
-
Henderson D. Trafton
Nov 18, 1916
-
Samuel H. Coppedge Jul 1, 1917
-
Franklin J. Wodley
Jul 3, 1917
-
Robert Roy Aldridge Jan 11, 1919
-
James O'Brien
Apr 1, 1919
-
Perry V. Frost Nov 14, 1920
-
Joseph B. Friesz Feb 24, 1924
-
Henry Bodendieck Apr 5, 1924
-
David A. Moehler
Apr 18, 1925
-
Clare A. Fletcher
Jun 16, 1940
-
Earl V. Anderson Mar 25, 1951
-
Norvell Ray
Jan 25, 1958
-
Charles E. Lewis
Mar 16, 1962
-
Fredrick D. Hudson
Jul 29, 1966
-
Kenneth Joseph McCoy
Jun 7, 1973
-
Manuel Farmer, III
May 25, 1975
-
Robert B. Broshears
Jun 23, 1977
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
21 officers from East St. Louis Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
