JE
U.S. Navy · United States 
John Ellis
1918
John J. Ellis served the U.S. Navy.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Location: Pennsylvania
Weapon: Handgun
Offender: Sentenced to 15 years
Special Officer John Ellis was shot and killed at the West Philadelphia Station, at the intersection of 32nd and Market Streets, while confronting a drunk man who was causing a disturbance in the ladies' waiting room at 5:30 am.
Officer Ellis had only 10 minutes left on his shift when he was informed of the drunk man. He told the man he had to leave or that he would be arrested. As Officer Ellis turned to walk away the man produced a handgun and shot him in the back. Officer Ellis was taken to Presbyterian Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately 15 minutes later. The subject was shot and wounded by a Philadelphia Police Department officer who witnessed the incident and taken into custody.
On April 9, 1919, the suspect, 23, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 15 years.
Officer Ellis was a U.S. Navy veteran.
No passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 26th, 2020
Weapon: Handgun
Offender: Sentenced to 15 years
Special Officer John Ellis was shot and killed at the West Philadelphia Station, at the intersection of 32nd and Market Streets, while confronting a drunk man who was causing a disturbance in the ladies' waiting room at 5:30 am.
Officer Ellis had only 10 minutes left on his shift when he was informed of the drunk man. He told the man he had to leave or that he would be arrested. As Officer Ellis turned to walk away the man produced a handgun and shot him in the back. Officer Ellis was taken to Presbyterian Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries approximately 15 minutes later. The subject was shot and wounded by a Philadelphia Police Department officer who witnessed the incident and taken into custody.
On April 9, 1919, the suspect, 23, was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 15 years.
Officer Ellis was a U.S. Navy veteran.
No passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 26th, 2020
Service Record
U.S. Navy
Also Served
Pennsylvania Railroad Police Department
Special Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
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