Detective Darrell Vendl Phelps

Detective Darrell Vendl Phelps | Kentucky State Police, Kentucky
Kentucky State Police, Kentucky
Detective Darrell Vendl Phelps

Kentucky State Police, Kentucky

End of Watch Friday, August 7, 1981

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Darrell 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
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Thank you for your service and rest in peace always knowing that your sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 7, 2020

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