Police Officer Daniel Mark McPherren, Sr.

Police Officer Daniel Mark McPherren, Sr.

Newton Police Department, Iowa

End of Watch Friday, September 13, 1985

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Daniel Mark McPherren, Sr.

Police Officer Daniel McPherren was shot and killed when he responded with other officers to a robbery at the Hy-Vee grocery store in Newton.

He was posted at the rear of the store, waiting for the robber to exit. A second robber was posted near the rear of the store as a lookout, and a gunfight ensued between the officers and the suspects. The fatal shot struck between the panels of Officer McPherren's vest.

Both of the suspects were wounded and fled. Both had escaped from a minimum security prison in Newton. They were later apprehended and convicted of first-degree murder. Both received life sentences without parole for the murder of Officer McPherren. The subject who shot and killed Officer McPherren died in prison on March 21, 2017. The other subject remains in prison.

Officer McPherren had served with the Newton Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 36
  • Tour 11 years
  • Badge 8

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
  • Offender Life without parole

convicted felon, escapee, robbery

Most Recent Reflection

View all 14 Reflections

Driving through Iowa, saw the memorial. Looked up your story. Rest in peace. Thank you for your dedication and bravery. Wish those vests would totally protect. You and my son would be alive if they did. Thoughts are with your family.

G. Anne Birkholz
Mother of Officer Craig Birkholz EOW 3/20/2011 Fond du Lac PD

March 9, 2024

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