Detective Richard Levis, #57

Appointed April 5th, 1910.  Fallen August 27th, 1914 Badge #57

After six years with the Toronto Police, Richard Levis moved to Vancouver, joining the VPD in April of 1910. He and his brother, VPD Constable George Levis, were well liked by all with a wide circle of friends. By 1913 Levis and his wife had a growing family of four small children. Having gained the rank of Detective, he had even been assigned the murder case of officer Constable Archibald, arresting the men responsible for his death.

On August 27th, 1914 at 10:45 pm, Detective Levi’s and Malcolm McLeod were called to 732 Alexander St. in search of an armed suspect. A nearby cafe had reported the stabbing of Thomas Hoganhan by the notorious criminal T.T McKillarney (aka “Mickey the Dago”) and that McKillarney had fled to his home. 

While McLeod covered the street, Levi’s knocked on the door. A woman answered telling the officer that Mickey was not there. Levis suspected the woman was lying and gained entry to search the home. As he approached the bedroom, McKillarney came out aiming a sawed-off shotgun and fired at Detective Levis. 

Having heard the shot, McLeod ran to aid, but as he reached the house, Levis stumbled into his arms stating that “Mickey” had shot him. Levis was rushed to hospital but died two days later from his wounds. 

McKillarney escaped to his native U.S, but later he was captured in Chicago. He was brought back to stand trial in Vancouver,  witness, Byron Martin, came forward connecting the murder weapon to Killarney. McKillarney found guilty of the murder was sentenced to death and hung for his crime.