Special Agent Bernard J. Kelly

Bernard J. Kelly

Special Agent Bernard Kelly was shot and killed near Salem while attempting to stop a suspect's vehicle.

Agent Kelly, along with two other officers, observed a vehicle pulling out of a dead end where a telephone wire had been reported stolen. As the officers pulled up alongside the suspect's car, an occupant opened fire, striking Agent Kelly and seriously wounding another officer.

The suspect, 35, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder to avoid receiving the death penalty and was sentenced to 30 years. On December 15, 1944, his sentence was commuted to 19 years and was told with good behavior, he would be released at the end of 1945.

Special Agent Kelly had served with the Missouri Pacific Railroad Police Department for 25 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.