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Incident
Patrolman James McCracken was shot and killed during an armed robbery as he escorted two men to a bank to make a deposit.
The male suspects, who fled the scene with $747, later shot and killed Patrolman Charles Holt, of the Springfield, Ohio, Police Department, on June 29, 1932. One suspect was apprehended in Indianapolis within days while the other two were captured in Effingham, Illinois, a month later.
The suspects were extradicted to Ohio where one offender was convicted of an unrelated armed robbery charge. The second offender pleaded guilty to shooting with intent to kill, sentenced to life in prison and was paroled in 1945. The third offender was found guilty of first-degree murder, sentenced to life in prison and was pardoned in 1959.
Patrolman McCracken had served with the Muncie Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-57J7-P26G-2earlier record number BO-US-IN-6DBA4CB3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman McCracken gave the Muncie Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Muncie community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman McCracken.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Muncie Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
James is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
James is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1932, 4 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 35. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 35. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 35. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 8.7% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Sundays: 17.4%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Muncie Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Muncie Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Muncie Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
