On March 9, 1999, Patrolman James Henry Camp, Jr., aged 34, a 4-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was tragically killed in the line of duty. Officer Camp, who was working in plain clothes alongside his partner, Patrolman Kenny King, approached a suspicious vehicle at 3807 South Cottage Grove Avenue. The car, a dark-colored Chevy Caprice with Indiana license plates, had a tampered steering column.
Officer Camp ordered the driver, 42-year-old Kevin Dean, an ex-convict, to exit the vehicle. When Dean refused, a struggle ensued, and Dean managed to gain control of Officer Camp's firearm, shooting him twice in the head. Officer Camp collapsed to the ground, and Dean and the passenger, 38-year-old Yvonne Harris, fled the scene on foot.
Responding officers encountered Dean running from the scene with Officer Camp's gun, and Patrolman Earl Carter returned fire, striking Dean five times and wounding him. Dean was taken into custody without further incident and later recovered from his injuries. Harris turned herself in and was questioned about her involvement. Kevin Dean was charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery of an officer, disarming a police officer, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Despite the charges, Dean was acquitted of murder and the attempted murder of Patrolman Carter. He was, however, convicted of disarming Officer Camp and possession of a stolen vehicle, receiving two consecutive 30-year prison sentences. Dean appealed the sentence and was ultimately sentenced to 28 years in prison.
Officer Camp was transported to Cook County Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 2:30 p.m. on March 9, 1999. He is remembered and honored on several memorial walls, including the Superintendent’s Honored Star Case, the Gold Star Families Memorial Wall, the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Wall, and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall. Officer Camp's legacy lives on through the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community he served.
