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Incident
Detective James Shea was shot and killed after responding to a clothing store at 814 Davis Street where a man was attempting to pass a bad check. While in the store, Detective Shea, another officer, and the store owner questioned the man. At the moment when it was determined the man was being dishonest, he pulled out a handgun and opened fire, striking Detective Shea in the chest three times. The other officer returned fire, striking the suspect three times as well. The subject had a history of mental illness and was a deserter from the United States Army. He was convicted of murder and sent to prison and two mental institutions, but was released in 1935. Detective Shea had served with the Evanston Police Department for 7-1/2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents who lived in Ireland and whose support he provided for.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Shea gave the Evanston Police Department 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Evanston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Shea.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Evanston Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 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 1918, 8 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 28. 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 7.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 28. 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 7.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 28. 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 7.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 5.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Mondays: 14.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Evanston 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
Evanston Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 55-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Evanston Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
