Patrolman Anthony R. Samfay

Patrolman Anthony R. Samfay

Kankakee City Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Thursday, October 17, 1996

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Anthony R. Samfay

Patrolman Anthony Samfay was shot and killed during a traffic stop at the 400 block of East Fair Street in Kankakee at 4:15 pm.

As Patrolman Samfay was returning to his squad car with the violator's driver's license, the suspect exited his car and shot Patrolman Samfay five times in the back. The suspect, who had no prior criminal record, was later arrested without incident after carjacking another vehicle.

The suspect was found guilty of murder and aggravated vehicular hijacking and sentenced to death. On January 11, 2003, the outgoing governor granted clemency to all 167 Illinois death row inmates as one of his last acts in office. The inmate's sentence was commuted to life without parole.

Patrolman Samfay had served with the Kankakee Police Department for one year and previously served with the Maywood Police Department and Cicero Police Department. He is survived by his mother, aunt, uncle, and cousins.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge 77

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
  • Offender Death sentence commuted

traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

View all 94 Reflections

Tony,it’s been a while, miss the heck out of you, and not a day goes by listening to some good old school house music, still have the tape you gave me, flash backs vol 2. Jam it in your honor, samster, miss ya!and your not forgotten! Wishing your family the best and safety!

Kovar

June 2, 2023

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