U.S. Marine Corps · United States 
John Sullivan
1952
John L. Sullivan served the U.S. Marine Corps.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Officer Jack Sullivan was shot and killed as he returned home from work and interrupted a 17-year-old youth who had broken into his house and was attacking his wife. Officer Sullivan, who was still in uniform, entered his bedroom to find his pregnant wife tied up and being raped by the suspect. As his wife yelled that he had a gun, the suspect shot him in the chest. He was able to return fire and wound the suspect in the arm. The youth was apprehended a short time later and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled in 1978. Three years later, he was jailed after being caught driving without a license and felony possession of a firearm. Officer Sullivan was a United States Marine Corps WWII Purple Heart veteran who had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, two children, parents, and four brothers.
Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
Also Served
Indianapolis Police Department
Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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