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Martin Durkin, The Criminal Who Was The First Person To Ever Kill A Federal Agent
In the 1920s, a fugitive facing serious jail time made the situation worse by killing an FBI agent in cold blood — the first time such a crime had ever occurred
Law enforcement has to deal with the incredible pressure of identifying criminals and bringing those believed to be guilty of crimes into the judicial system for trial and punishment. Naturally, many of these lawbreakers are desperate and willing to do almost anything to maintain their freedom. Sadly, some officers die in the line of duty, even at the top of the enforcement pecking order — the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). The first federal agent ever killed on the job was Edwin C. Shanahan, who was murdered by Martin Durkin as he attempted to elude capture in the 1920s.
Born in 1901, Martin James Durkin’s early life doesn’t have many ready details available. Following a stint in grammar school, he gained employment as a railroad helper, helping his father, who was a switchman. However, it seems that life didn’t agree with him. By the time he was a young man, he was clearly in the business of breaking the law, specializing in stealing cars on a widespread level.
