St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office, Louisiana
End of Watch Wednesday, June 4, 1980
Add to My HeroesJohn I. Kahl
Agent John Kahl was shot and killed while executing a narcotics-related search warrant at an apartment on Railroad Avenue in Morgan City.
The agents had knocked on the door and announced the search warrant. The subject inside opened the door and immediately opened fire with a .44 magnum. The bullet struck Agent Kahl in the head, killing him instantly. The subject was killed by other officers returning fire.
A large amount of amphetamine and currency was located in the apartment.
Agent Kahl was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office for 13 years. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, father, brother, and two sisters.
Bio
- Age 33
- Tour 13 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsThank you for your love and dedication to SMPSO and citizens. Also thank you for your service in the Military. May you Rest In Peace.
Dy. D. Wilson
St. Mary Parish Sheriff Dept
May 22, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Jeremy R. Labonte
Roswell Police Department, GA
EOW: February 7, 2025

Officer Jason Roscow
North Las Vegas Police Department, NV
EOW: February 4, 2025

Major Jeffrey A. Burke
New Jersey State Police, NJ
EOW: December 31, 2024

Corporal Dennis Francis Kelly
Delaware State Police, DE
EOW: December 21, 2024

Officer Baldino Morales-Sánchez
Mayagüez Municipal Police Department, PR
EOW: January 25, 2025

Border Patrol Agent David Christopher Maland
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: January 20, 2025

Sergeant Mark Butler
Navasota Police Department, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Jesus Vargas
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: January 15, 2025

Police Officer II Colton Dale Pulsipher
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
EOW: December 12, 2024