Hutchinson Police Department, Kansas
End of Watch: Friday, September 15, 1972
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 15, 1972
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 15 years to life
Officer Kenneth Kennedy was shot and killed by the female friend of a suspect he was struggling with.
Officer Kennedy and a reserve officer had made an undercover purchase of alcoholic beverages in a bootlegging and gambling operation. As they attempted to arrest the operator a woman entered the room from the kitchen and shot both officers. Officer Kennedy was able to return fire and wound the suspect.
The 63 year-old woman was convicted of second degree murder and aggravated assault and sentenced to two 15 year to life sentences on March 27, 1973.