Auxiliary Sergeant Denis Patrick, 50, of Joliet, Illinois, was found with fatal injuries in his home on the morning of July 16, 1983. Initial reports said he had been shot multiple times. His death sparked a criminal investigation that focused on his wife, Judith Patrick, who was reportedly found at the scene in a state of distress and taken into custody.

Prosecutors relied on forensic evidence and witness testimony, including neighbors who said the couple had argued frequently in the weeks before the killing and the fact that Judith had recently purchased a firearm matching the caliber of the bullets recovered. The prosecution argued the killing was premeditated; during the trial Judith maintained the shooting was accidental. A jury convicted her of first-degree murder and she was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Sgt. Patrick was remembered by colleagues and the Joliet community at a memorial service. Does anyone have additional memories of Denis Patrick or information about the case that could shed light on unresolved questions?