Patrolman Edward J. Mulvihill | Star #2432

Patrolman Edward J. Mulvihill, Star #2432, aged 39 years, was a 17 year, 1 month, 19 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to District 14, 21st Precinct – Maxwell.

On December 15, 1916, Louis “Deliciacano” Doveno of 700 South Miller Street had laid his eyes on Miss Florence Ward of 1022 West Taylor Street for the first time. She was at work in the Sawyer Biscuit Factory located on Harrison Street between Aberdeen and Sholto Streets (present day Carpenter Street). He told her that he loved her and wished to marry her. Florence ran away and Doveno kept up his unwelcome wooing. On December 16, 1916, Doveno told her that if she didn’t marry him, he would kill her or maim her with acid. Doveno had moved from New York and had lived in the Precinct for approximately three weeks at the time.

On December 18, 1916, at 5:45 p.m., Officer Mulvihill was walking his beat. When he reached Harrison and Miller Streets he came across the mother of Florence Ward who was waiting there for her daughter. Mrs. Ward told Officer Mulvihill of the events that had transpired over the last few days and to request protection for her daughter. As they were talking Florence was seen walking towards the officer and her mother. A man by the name of Doveno approached Florence from a doorway, but when he saw Officer Mulvihill he fled; running into an alley off of Vernan Park Place and Sholto Street (present day Carpenter Street). Officer Mulvihill gave chase and as he entered the alley Doveno doubled back and ran down Vernon Park Avenue. It was at this time, in the rear of 1041 West Vernon Park Place, that Officer Mulvihill reached for his revolver, but was too late. Doveno had already drawn his weapon and fired at Officer Mulvihill and striking him. He fell to the ground and despite being wounded Officer Mulvihill reached for his service revolver which he had dropped. At the same time, Doveno ran by him in an attempt to flee back into the alley. Doveno then stopped and fired several more shots at Officer Mulvihill, one of them hitting him just under the shoulder blade. Doveno then fled the scene making good his escape.

Soon after the shooting Detective Sergeants Fleming and Yancy arrested three suspects near the scene. Four other suspects were arrested later. During questioning all seven suspects swore they knew nothing about the shooting or of Doveno’s whereabouts. Investigators believed that Doveno was hiding out in the Italian District with family or friends. However no one was saying if they knew of his whereabouts. Doveno was later arrested. On November 13, 1919, his case was stricken off the record by Judge Scanlan.

Officer Mulvihill was waked at his residence located at 1341 South Harding Avenue. His funeral mass was held in Requiem at St. Finbarr Catholic Church located at 1359 South Harding Avenue. He was laid to rest on December 21, 1916 in Mount Carmel Cemetery, 1400 South Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois. His grave is located in Grave 4, Lot SS38, Block 7, Section L.

Patrolman Edward J. Mulvihill, born July 12, 1877, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on October 29, 1909.

Officer Mulvihill was survived by his wife; sons: Jeremiah, age 8 and William, age 6 and brother, Patrick (CPD).

Incident Recorded under Chicago Police Department homicide file, Case #4456.

On May 24, 2005, Officer Mulvihill’s star was retired by Superintendent Philip J. Cline and enshrined in the Superintendent’s Honored Star Case, located in the lobby at Chicago Police Headquarters, 3510 South Michigan Avenue.