John P. Shine, a 42-year-old Caucasian male, was a sergeant with the Chicago Police Department. On October 10, 1905, Shine responded to a call about a gunman terrorizing a neighborhood in Chicago. The gunman, identified as Robert Newcomb, had already killed one woman, Mrs. Florence Poore, and wounded two men. Newcomb then barricaded himself in his apartment at 1261 West 61st Street. When Sergeant Shine arrived at the scene, he demanded entry into the apartment.
Newcomb fired through the door, striking Shine in the abdomen. Shine was rushed to Englewood Union Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries two hours later.
The aftermath of Shine's death saw a swift legal response. Newcomb was arrested on October 11, 1905, and held without bail by a Coroner’s Jury. The trial was expedited, and on January 7, 1906, Newcomb was sentenced to death by hanging. The execution took place on February 16, 1906. Shine's death was a significant event in the Chicago Police Department, highlighting the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty. Shine had served with the department for over 16 years and was survived by his wife, Margaret, and daughter, Annie.
Shine's funeral was held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, and he was laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery in Evanston, Illinois. His death and the subsequent execution of his killer were widely covered in the media, reflecting the community's outrage and the swift justice served. The incident also underscored the bravery and sacrifice of police officers, with Shine being remembered for his dedication and service to the community.
