Police Officer Russell D. Mestdagh, Kansas City Police Department, Missouri

Police Officer Russell D. Mestdagh

Kansas City Police Department, Missouri

End of Watch Thursday, January 2, 1975

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Russell D. Mestdagh

Police Officer Russell Mestdagh was shot and killed during a robbery at Traxler Pharmacy at 651 East 59th Street in Kansas City.

At 3:30 p.m., Officer Mestagh and his partner responded to a hold-up alarm at the pharmacy. He was shot four times as he confronted the suspects inside the store.

One suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison and 40 years for robbery. A second suspect was sentenced to life and 50 years for robbery. A third suspect was sentenced to 10 years for robbery.

Officer Mestdagh was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Kansas City Police Department for three years. He was survived by his son, mother, stepfather, and three sisters.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 3 years, 6 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

robbery, alarm

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Mestdagh,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

January 2, 2025