Corporal Robert Whittington Klein, Arkansas State Police, Arkansas

Corporal Robert Whittington Klein

Arkansas State Police, Arkansas

End of Watch Monday, October 15, 1984

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Robert Whittington Klein

Corporal Robert Klein was shot and killed by an escaped convict at 11:45 pm.

Corporal Klein and another trooper were investigating a truck that had been reported stolen 30 minutes earlier. The convicts had broken into a home, tied up the elderly occupants, stolen several items, including guns, and broken into a neighboring house. As Corporal Klein was inspecting the truck, a shot was fired, and Corporal Klein fell to the ground. The other trooper fired in the direction of the blast. The two escaped convicts hid in a greenhouse and attic of a home until they surrendered around 5 am.

The killer was convicted of Corporal Klein's murder and sentenced to death; he was executed on May 7, 1992. The other convict was sentenced to 86 years.

Corporal Klein had served with the Arkansas State Police for 12 years. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and a brother.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 12 years
Badge 73

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
Offender Executed

escapee

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Cpl. Klein,
On today, the 40th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Arkansas. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

October 15, 2024