Patrolman Henry Lee Callanen

Henry Lee Callanen

Patrolman Henry Callanen was shot and killed while moonlighting at a local McDonald's. While going to make a bank deposit, he was shot and killed by one of two suspects who confronted him. 24 hours later a traffic stop of a Mustang driven by a 19-year-old who had committed a traffic violation and had no drivers license led to his arrest and a charge for Patrolman Callanen's murder. The murder weapon was found in his car.

On November 7, 1993, the killer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was released in leu of bond until his appeal was heard. While free he was arrested again on traffic charges. He lost his appeal and was sent to prison. On August 1, 2002, he applied for executive clemency, stating it was his companion who was the killer. Clemency was denied by Governor Mike Huskabee. On April 7, 1994, his accomplice, 18, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. As of December 15, 2022, the one denied clemency was in prison.

While free, an Arkansas Sate Representative introduced a bill that led to the elimination of all post-conviction appeal bonds for convicted murderers.

Patrolman Callanen had been with the Little Rock Police Department for 36 years. He was survived by his sister and niece.