Deputy Sheriff Sean Ian Riley, Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Illinois

Deputy Sheriff Sean Ian Riley

Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Illinois

End of Watch Wednesday, December 29, 2021

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Sean Ian Riley

Deputy Sheriff Sean Riley was shot and killed after responding to assist a motorist near mile marker 115 on I-64 at about 5:00 am.

Another officer responding to back him up found him suffering from fatal gunshot wounds, and his patrol car was missing. The subject later abandoned the patrol car on I-64 before fleeing to St. Peters, Missouri, where he carjacked and shot a citizen. The man then abandoned the vehicle before stealing another vehicle and returning to Illinois. He was taken into custody in the early afternoon.

The suspect was convicted of Deputy Riley's murder and sentenced to life without parole in April 2022.

Deputy Riley had served with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office for three years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Life without parole

disabled motorist

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I feel like I knew Officer Riley after hearing the song by Dylan Wolfe that really moved me, “Badge 96-6”. My thoughts go out to Riley’s family and although I’m just learning of his senseless loss 3 1/2 years later, I am sure his family still feels the pain of his being taken from them so soon in life. May God bless them and his sisters and brothers who wear the badge he honored.

Not an officer; Teresa Paulinkonis
Citizen of San Diego County CA

May 31, 2025