Detective Stephen Kendall was shot and killed when he interrupted a robbery-in-progress at the Show-Me filling station.

   When he confronted the two men, one suspect shot Detective Kendall four times before he was able to return fire and wounded the suspect.

   The 18-year-old shooter and his 21-year-old accomplice, who drove the getaway car, fled the scene and their stolen vehicle was found a couple blocks away.

   Two months later, the suspects were arrested for the robbery of the Collett Park Pharmacy. The gas station attendant identified both suspects who were then charged with first-degree murder.

   Both men were convicted of murder and sentenced to death but the offenders each received three stays of execution. Upon appeal, their convictions were reversed and granted new trials after which the murder charges were dismissed.

   The shooter was sentenced to 25 years in prison for auto banditry in an unrelated case. He was granted parole by Governor Paul V. McNutt in 1936 with the condition he return to his native St. Louis, Missouri.

   Detective Kendall was survived by his wife, 17-year-old son, mother, four sisters and three brothers.