Patrolman David F. Keating, Chicago Police Department, Illinois

Patrolman David F. Keating

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Tuesday, September 20, 1949

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David F. Keating

Patrolman David F. Keating was shot and killed when he stopped two juveniles carrying a suspicious package at the intersection of W. Root Steet and S. La Salle Street.

As Patrolman Keating went to investigate, one of the boys pulled a revolver from the package and shot him nine times. Both boys, ages 16 and 17, turned themselves over to the police several hours later and were charged with murder.

The 17-year-old was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. It was determined that he was the one who shot Patrolman Keating. On April 18th, 1951, his sentence was commuted to 199 years. The murder charge against the other suspect was dropped.

Patrolman Keating was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and served with the Chicago Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.

Bio

Age 34
Tour 10 years
Badge 2259
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Sentenced to 199 years

suspicious person, juvenile offender

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No one should forget a fallen brother in Blue, even after 75 years. Patrolman David Keating was murdered while serving and protecting the people of Chicago on Sept. 20, 1949, and his legacy should be honored forever. May the peace of God be with his family as well.

David L Milligan
Chicago Police Department (ret.)

September 20, 2024