Officer John Riley McNett, Geneva Police Department, Illinois

Officer John Riley McNett

Geneva Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Friday, August 28, 1885

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John Riley McNett

Officer John McNett and Constable Joseph Grant were shot and killed while transporting three burglary suspects to jail.

While the officers escorted the suspects, the men shot and killed both officers.

In 1899 a convict in Minnesota confessed to killing Officer Helms of Kansas, Officers Grant and McNett of Illinois, a woman in Geneva, Illinois and shooting a policeman in Guide Rock, Nebraska.

Officer McNett had served with the Geneva Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife and child.

Bio

Age 35
Tour 2 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Thursday, August 27, 1885
Weapon Handgun
Offender Not available

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Officer McNett,
On today, the 140th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Geneva.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 28, 2025