Anthony R. Samfay, a 26-year-old Caucasian male, tragically lost his life on October 17, 1996, in Kankakee City, Illinois. Patrolman Samfay, who had been serving with the Kankakee City Police Department for one year, was killed in the line of duty during what should have been a routine traffic stop. As he was returning to his patrol car with the violator's driver's license, the suspect exited his vehicle and shot Patrolman Samfay five times in the back. The incident occurred at the 400 block of East Fair Street in Kankakee around 4:15 pm.
The suspect, who had no prior criminal record, was later arrested without incident after carjacking another vehicle. He was found guilty of murder and aggravated vehicular hijacking and was initially sentenced to death. However, on January 11, 2003, the outgoing governor of Illinois granted clemency to all 167 death row inmates, including the suspect, whose sentence was commuted to life without parole.
Patrolman Samfay had previously served with the Maywood Police Department and the Cicero Police Department before joining the Kankakee City Police Department. He is survived by his mother, aunt, uncle, and cousins. The tragic loss of Patrolman Samfay is a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily and the ultimate sacrifice they may be called upon to make in the line of duty.
