Sergeant Kenneth John Koeller, Jr., Jennings Police Department, Missouri

Sergeant Kenneth John Koeller, Jr.

Jennings Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Wednesday, January 28, 1987

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Kenneth John Koeller, Jr.

Sergeant Kenneth Koeller was shot and killed after surprising a group of burglars at the Northland Shopping Center at West Florissant Avenue and Lucas & Hunt Road in Jennings.

While he was detaining two of the suspects, a third suspect came up from behind and started to struggle with Sergeant Koeller. During the struggle, the suspect shot him in the neck before all three fled the scene.

A fingerprint lifted from the scene produced a suspect in Ohio three years later, but he was not convicted. The shooter was arrested in Illinois, confessed to the murder, and sentenced to two life sentences.

Sergeant Koeller had served with the Jennings Police Department for 17 years and helped establish the canine unit. He was survived by his wife, two sons, daughter, stepson, parents, and a sister.

Bio

Age 43
Tour 17 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life in prison

robbery

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Most Recent Reflection

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Ken was a gracious man with a good heart. Ken was never jaded or hardened by the job which is difficult to accomplish with years of service and untold terrible experiences that we deal with during our years on the job. At one time he was my neighbor as a young boy and eventually became my mentor as a young officer. I have carried his lessons and memories with me throughout my career. There are officers you meet throughout your career that you wish to emulate and judge yourself with, Sgt Koeller was one of those officers. Now that I approach my retirement I pray and hope that he is proud of the officer I have become. God bless.

Sgt. Tim Benning
Ex Jennings Officer

January 28, 2024