Kansas City Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Wednesday, April 8, 1936
Age: 32
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 7, 1936
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Executed in 1938
Patrolman Cavanaugh succumbed to gunshot wounds received the previous day after attempting to stop a robbery on East 21st Street. He was off duty and eating with his wife at a local tavern when a man entered and began robbing the establishment. Patrolman Cavanaugh drew his weapon and fired on the suspect, who then fled on foot. Patrolman Cavanaugh gave chase and in a running shootout was mortally wounded. The suspect was apprehended several days later.
The 32-year-old suspect was convicted of first degree murder and was the first person to be put to death in Missouri's new gas chamber on March 4, 1938.