John Sturgus

Murdered

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Case Description
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On February 20, 1921, Anchorage's first Chief of Police, John J. "Jack" Sturgus, was found fatally shot in an alley behind the Anchorage Drug Store. The 60-year-old chief had been appointed on January 1, 1921, leading a one-man police department in the newly incorporated city. His tenure was marked by efforts to curb rampant crime, including gambling and bootlegging, prevalent in the early 1920s.

On the evening of his death, Sturgus was reportedly patrolling the streets, focusing on ill ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (7)
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  • Chief of Police John J. Sturgus

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    Victim Details

    John Sturgus

    Male

    Anchorage

    AK

    1921-02-20

    60

    John

    Sturgus

    11/19/2024

    Forum Posts (3)
    I was wondering if anyone knows if there is a GoFundMe set up for Chief's family? I would like to of... ...Read More
    04/04/2024
    I'm curious if anyone knows of any YouTube videos discussing the murder of Chief John J. Sturgus. I'... ...Read More
    03/20/2024
    I'm curious if anyone has any theories about the recent murder of Chief. It's such a tragic event an... ...Read More
    10/26/2023