Police Officer John J. McGrath
St. Louis Police Department
Missouri
End of Watch: Tuesday, December 6, 1921

Biographical Info
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, December 6, 1921
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: Acquitted

Officer McGrath was shot and killed when he attempted to search two juvenile brothers on St. Louis Avenue. As he began the search one of them produced a .32 caliber revolver and shot him in the chest. He was able to return fire, but did not strike either suspect. The two boys were apprehended and charged with Officer McGrath's murder. Both were acquitted after a jury concluded their confessions could not be used as evidence.

Officer McGrath was a US Army veteran. He had been with the agency for almost two years and was survived by his wife.