Probationary Patrolman Gerald C. Murphy

Gerald C. Murphy

Probationary Patrolman Gerald Murphy was shot and killed while off duty and walking home on the Lower East Side when three men attempted to rob him.

They attacked him, got his revolver, and shot him as he drew his gun. They fled in a taxi as witnesses got the license plate number. The three well-known troublemakers, 17, 26, and 26, were apprehended a short time later. One had Officer Murphy's service revolver.

One suspect, 26, was convicted of manslaughter and sent to prison. He was paroled in 1978.

Officer Murphy had served with the New York City Police Department for six months and was assigned to the 9th Precinct. He wore his father's badge, who had been promoted to sergeant a year earlier.