Officer Richard Joseph Barth, Downers Grove Police Department, Illinois

Officer Richard Joseph Barth

Downers Grove Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Monday, March 18, 1974

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Richard Joseph Barth

Officer Richard Barth was shot and killed by a 15-year-old suspect while questioning him and another youth about suspicious activity in a park.

Unbeknownst to Officer Barth, the two boys had just committed a burglary and were going through the stolen items when Officer Barth interrupted them.

The suspect who shot Officer Barth was convicted of murder and sentenced to 50 to 100 years in prison. He was released in 2003.

Officer Barth had served with the Downers Grove Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 2 years
Badge 11

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Released in 2003

juvenile offender, suspicious activity

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Most Recent Reflection

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My Grandmother who worked in the Downers Grove police department around then knew one of the first responding police officers for Officer Barth. Joyce Compton. She told me this story just a couple days ago. I was so touched by Joyce’s story and his story that I had to look more into it. I’m so sorry for those officers.

Grace Muchowski
Granddaughter of another officer

August 24, 2025