United States of America
Headstone of Louis L. Shirley

Louis L. Shirley

Died April 14, 1923

Louis L. Shirley.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Location: Indiana
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Offender: Convicted of manslaughter

Detective Louis Shirley was shot and killed while patrolling the New York Central rail yards in downtown Elkhart, Indiana.

He was shot in the back twice when he interrupted the burglary of railroad cars near the passenger terminal. Detective Shirley had voluntarily started his shift 30 minutes early but was shot at 5:23 pm, only 23 minutes later.

A suspect was arrested but convicted only of manslaughter and sentenced to a maximum of two to 21 years in prison. The suspect was later sentenced to life in prison after a conviction of being a habitual offender.

Detective Shirley was a United States WWI veteran and had served with the New York Central Railroad Police Department for three years.

He is buried at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana.

Detective Shirley was a United States WWI veteran and had served with the New York Central Railroad Police Department for three years.

Survivors
He was survived by his widowed mother.
Media
Louis L. Shirley
Louis L. Shirley 0 views
Service Record
Also Served
New York Central Railroad Police Department
Detective
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 22W · Line 24 cut as LOUIS SHIRLEY
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Detective Shirley gave the New York Central Railroad Police Department 3 years.

Thank you for your service to the New York community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

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

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