Kentucky State Police, Kentucky
End of Watch Friday, August 7, 1981
Add to My HeroesDarrell Vendl Phelps
Detective Darrell Phelps was shot and killed while he and another officer moved through a marijuana field. Detective Phelps was investigating illegal cultivation of marijuana in Edmonson County
The suspect was convicted of Detective Phelps' murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison on September 4, 1981, and was released on February 13, 2013 after serving the minimum expiration sentence.
Detective Phelps had been with the agency for 12 years and was survived by his wife, daughter and son. He is buried at Union Cemetery in Quality, Kentucky. In honor of his service and sacrifice, an eight-mile stretch of Kentucky highway 1153 in Butler County has been designated the Detective Darrell V. Phelphs Memorial Highway.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 12 years
- Badge 652
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Served 31 years of a 50 year sentence
Most Recent Reflection
View all 18 ReflectionsThis is my Dad. I retired from the same agency he Paid All For. The honor of his name on this day, means so much to Our Family. Keep Safe and Drive On!
Tpr. Daren Phelps U\634 retired
Kentucky State Police/ Son
August 7, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley
Scott County Sheriff's Office, KY
EOW: May 22, 2023

Sergeant Michael Kunovich
St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: May 19, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Brett Harris
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: May 13, 2023

Sergeant Joshua Lee Clouse
Cameron Police Department, TX
EOW: May 11, 2023

Port Police Officer Kimberly Sickafoose
Alabama Port Authority Police, AL
EOW: May 11, 2023

Police Officer Aréanah M. Preston
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: May 6, 2023

Detective Jacob Beu
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: May 7, 2023

Police Officer Robert Shisler
Deptford Township Police Department, NJ
EOW: May 7, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Kaitie Leising
St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, WI
EOW: May 6, 2023