Patrolman Edward Murphy was shot and killed as he and his partner responded to a burglary in progress at the Atlas Building on Long and High Streets in Columbus. During the exchange of gunfire, Patrolman Murphy was mortally wounded. His partner returned fire and shot the subject in the leg. The suspect was captured and put to death in the electric chair.

Patrolman Murphy’s partner, Patrolman John P. Sears, was killed when he fell from the same building while executing a search warrant the following year.

Patrolman Murphy had served with the Columbus Division of Police for 13 years. He was survived by his father and siblings.