Patrolman Cornelius Patrick Broderick | Star #4643

Patrolman Cornelius Patrick Broderick, Star #4643, aged 46 years, was an 11 year, 1 month, 15 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to District 2-A – Stanton.

On August 24, 1924, at 10:30 p.m., Officer Broderick and Patrolman Edward Mulcahy were inside the Stanton Station when a citizen, Lonnie Kennedy of 3500 South Wabash Avenue, entered and reported that he was robbed by two men. Mr. Kennedy stated that he had chased the thieves to 35th Street and Giles Avenue and that they were still loitering at that intersection.

Officer Broderick and Officer Mulcahy responded to the location with Mr. Kennedy in an attempt to locate the men. When the two men, Willis Sams, age 20 and another, spotted the officers approaching from across the street they fled and hid in a doorway. From the shadows of the doorway, Sams fired at the officers. Officer Mulcahy was hit twice, once in the stomach and once in his left leg. Officer Broderick was hit once in the chest, the bullet entering just below his heart. Officer Broderick was able to draw his gun and return fire as the men fled on foot. He struck Sams twice in the back before he made good his escape. Both officers were transported to Lakeside Hospital where they were not expected to survive. However, Officer Mulcahy was able to pull through and recovered. Officer Broderick was not so fortunate and died the next day on August 25, 1924. Before Broderick died he stated that he had wounded one of the men as they ran.

After the shooting, all available policemen from the district, complimented by ten Detective Bureau squads, flooded the Southside in search of Sams. More than 25 suspects were arrested and held for questioning. Police caught a break when Sergeant Louis Klatzke went into the Oak Pharmacy located at 1000 North Wells Street to buy a pack of cigarettes. While inside he overheard a man, Hugh Truvillion, asking the druggist about acid for a friend shot during a craps game argument. Sergeant Klatzke arrested Truvillion and sent officer to his home. Upon arrival officer found Sims with two bullet wounds in his back. They placed him in custody and searched the apartment. Recovered were two .45 caliber pistols, which had recently been fired. During questioning, Sims stated that he had been injured in a brawl that took place on South State Street. However, investigators did not believe him and charged him with murder.

On September 19, 1924, Willis Sams was held to the Grand Jury by the Coroner and was indicted. He stood trial and on June 30, 1925 a jury in Judge Hoses Wells’ courtroom found him guilty and sentenced him to death on the gallows. On June 19, 1925, he was hanged at Cook County Jail.

Officer Broderick was waked at his residence located at 214 West Garfield Boulevard. He was laid to rest on August 24, 1924 in Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery, 2755 West 111th Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Patrolman Cornelius Patrick Broderick, born February 8, 1878, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on July 10, 1913. He earned 1 Credible Mention during his career.

Officer Broderick was survived by his wife, Margaret and step-son.

Chicago Police Department homicide file not found for this incident.