Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Sunday, November 3, 1957
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 19 years, 11 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: November 3, 1957
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 12 gauge
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 8 to 20 years
Trooper Philip Melley was shot and killed by a 16 year old juvenile who had taken three other officers hostage in Douglass Township, Pennsylvania. The three officers had gone to arrest the boy for threatening to kill his father. The boy managed to ambush the officers and hold them at gunpoint in a wooded area. As Trooper Melley went to their aid he slipped. As he fell the boy shot him with the shotgun, killing him. The boy then put the shotgun down and surrendered.
The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 8 to 20 years in prison on July 22, 1958. He was considered for parole in 1964. Outcome unknown.
Trooper Melley had served with Pennsylvania State Police for nearly 20 years. He was survived by his brother and sister.