Jennings Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Wednesday, January 28, 1987
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 17 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 28, 1987
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life in prison
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.