Knoxville Police Department, Iowa
End of Watch: Saturday, April 2, 1938
Age: 56
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: March 17, 1938
Weapon Used: Person
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 8 years
Night Officer Bert Conrey succumbed to injuries sustained two weeks earlier when he was severely beaten by an intoxicated couple who were walking on Main Street, between 1st Street and 2nd Street.
The couple were acting disorderly and Officer Conrey confronted them, at which time he was punched and kicked by the married couple. The couple was arrested and charged with murder after Officer Conrey died two weeks later.
They were originally convicted of second degree murder, but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter after the murder conviction was overturned. They were both sentenced to eight years in prison.
Officer Conrey had served with the Knoxville Police Department for 23 years. He was survived by his wife and eight children.