Patrolman Thomas J. Riley, Cambridge Police Department, Massachusetts

Patrolman Thomas J. Riley

Cambridge Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Saturday, November 20, 1920

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Thomas J. Riley

Patrolman Riley was shot and killed while trying to disperse a group of drunk men. As he turned to leave one of the men produced a revolver and shot Patrolman Riley in the head.
Patrolman Riley had been with the agency for eight years.

A 25-year-old suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to death. Governor Channing H. Cox commuted his sentence to life. He was pardoned on December 24, 1953.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 8 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Pardoned in 1953

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Most Recent Reflection

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Patrolman Riley, it has been 104 years since you were taken from us. New England law enforcement continues to serve and protect and make life secure for our part of the country. I honor your 8 years of law enforcement service to the citizens of Cambridge.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

November 20, 2024