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Incident
Constable Ernest Mueller was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle just east of Frankfort. Several youths had noticed the vehicle and notified Constable Mueller. The constable and his son drove to the area and located the vehicle a short distance away. Constable Mueller stopped the vehicle and informed the driver that he would have to return to Frankfort for questioning. As Constable Mueller stepped onto the running board the occupant opened fire, killing him instantly. Constable Mueller's son and the other youths took Constable Mueller to a local funeral home. The suspects were located several days later and were pursued a short distance. The male subject was able to flee on foot but the female subject was taken into custody. The male remained at large for eight years until being arrested in Toledo, Ohio, after becoming severely frozen while hitchhiking, resulting in the amputation of both of his feet. No charges were filed against the suspect in Illinois because of the amputation and the belief that his criminal career had ended. Constable Mueller had served with the Frankfort Police Department for only two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
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.
Constable Mueller served with the Frankfort Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Frankfort community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Mueller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ernest is the only officer of Frankfort Police Department remembered here.
Ernest is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Ernest is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ernest 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 1924, 22 officers in IL were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ernest was 39. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Ernest had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ernest was 39. 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. Ernest had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ernest was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ernest had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.6%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Frankfort Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 30.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
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