Patrolman Michael F. Murtaugh | Star #2565

Patrolman Michael F. Murtaugh, Star #2565, aged 50 years, was an 18 year, 6 month, 9 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to District 17 – Marquette.

On October 11, 1924, at 11:30 a.m., Officer Murtaugh was on patrol when he observed a maroon automobile racing down the street after hearing two gunshots come from a dry goods store. The store was located at 2058 West Cullerton Street, owned by Stanley Bloniarz, it had just been robbed by the bandits. They took $80.00 in currency and checks and sped off in the maroon auto turning North on Leavitt Street after Bloniarz fired two rounds at the bandits. Officer Murtaugh reacted quickly and in front of 2152 West 19th Street he confronted the men as they attempted to escape in the automobile. As the bandits rounded the corner Murtaugh stepped into the middle of the street, directly in the path of the vehicle, and shouted, “Stop or I’ll shoot!” The auto slowed and one of the occupants fired two shots before turning west. One of the shots missed Murtaugh’s head while the other struck him in the face. He collapsed to the ground as the auto continued to flee the scene making good their escape. On lookers, surprised by what they had just witnessed, ran to the officer’s aid. They flagged down a passing car and rushed the officer to St. Anthony Hospital. However, their efforts were in vain as Officer Murtaugh died en route to St. Anthony Hospital. Before he died, he was able to identify one of the bandits, George R. Stoklasa, as the shooter.

Witnesses were able to provide police with a license plate number, 665772 IL Passenger, of the maroon auto. The plate was registered to D. Hollinshead of Thompson, Illinois to a Star Automobile and was previously reported stolen. Under the direction of Chief of Detectives Michael Hughes, Deputy Chief Matthew Zimmer and Captain Moran, squads of police combed the city in search of the auto, without success. On November 1, 1924, George R. Stoklasa was located and arrested. On November 13th 1924, he was held to the Grand Jury by the Coroner and indicted. On January 16, 1925, Stoklasa was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. Stoklasa appealed his conviction and on June 5, 1925, Stoklasa was acquitted in a second trial by Judge Kersten. In 1940, Joseph Okoniewski, age 57, turned himself in to Sergeant Louis Possehl at the Marquette Police Station. Okoniewski stated that he was responsible for the murder of Officer Murtaugh in 1924. It is unknown Okoniewski was ever charged or convicted for the murder.

Officer Murtaugh was waked at his residence located at 4015 West Lexington. His funeral mass was held in Requiem at Presentation Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church located at 714 South Springfield Avenue. He was laid to rest on October 14, 1924 in All Saints Catholic Cemetery, 700 North River Road, Des Plaines, Illinois. His grave is located Grave 5, Lot 6, Block 38, Section 4.

Patrolman Michael F. Murtaugh, born June 21, 1874, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on April 2, 1906. He earned 2 Credible Mentions during his career.

Officer Murtaugh was survived by his wife, Bridget (nee Kennedy); children: Arthur, Jane, John and the late James Francis and siblings: James, John, Mary Rielly, Mrs, James J. Thompson, Patrick and Timothy.

Incident Recorded under Chicago Police Department homicide file, Case #6638.