Patrolman
Lewis Keller
South Bend Police Department
Friday, February 25, 1898

Age: 58
Served: 11 years
Badge #:
Panel 37W, Line 17
Panel L1, Line 2

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Friday, February 25, 1898
11:35 pm
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
100 block of North Main Street, South Bend
Incident County:
St. Joseph
Incident Township:
Portage
Weapon Used:
.38-caliber handgun
Suspect Disposition:
• Pardoned in 1925
• Sentenced to 2 to 21 years
• Apprehended (2)
Burial Place:
City Cemetery, South Bend

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   Patrolman Lewis Keller was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary in progress at the McInerney & Doran cigar store located inside the interurban station.

   While walking his beat, he spotted an open door and as he entered the business a shot was fired at him. He was struck in the heart and died at the scene after wounding one suspect.

   The male shooter, who was wounded in the exchange of gunfire, was convicted of murder in a change of venue to LaPorte County and sentenced to life in prison. He was pardoned in 1925.

   Another male suspect was charged with murder, burglary and larceny. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to two to 21 years in prison. Two other male suspects were also apprehended.

   Patrolman Keller was survived by his wife and son.


Military Service


United States Army
Civil War (Union)
Captain (CPT)



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