St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Tuesday, March 30, 1971
Age: 53
Tour of Duty: 31 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 25, 1971
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 10 years
Police Officer Paul Kramer was shot and killed when he attempted to intervene in a grocery store robbery while off duty.
He had gone to his brother's grocery store at 230 North Taylor Avenue when three men entered and announced a robbery. When they ordered Officer Kramer to open the register he drew his revolver. One of the suspects opened fire on him, striking him in the head and chest. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds five days later.
After his third trial, the gunman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on August 24th, 1974.
Officer Kramer had been with the agency for 31 years. He was survived by his daughter, son, brothers, sisters, and three grandsons.