In the annals of Kansas City's history, the story of Patrolman Alexander R. McKinney serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who don the badge. A five-year veteran of the Kansas City Police Department, he had also dedicated a portion of his career to serving as a United States Marshal. At the age of 64, his life was tragically cut short in the line of duty.
The fatal encounter occurred within the supposed safety of the police headquarters lobby.
An emotionally disturbed individual, who had recently escaped from the St. Joseph Asylum, confronted Patrolman McKinney. In a sudden act of violence, the man shot the officer. Despite the immediate medical attention he surely received, the wounds proved to be too severe. Two days after the shooting, on a Saturday in late January, Patrolman McKinney succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a wife and three sons.
The aftermath of the shooting saw the suspect promptly returned to the St. Joseph Asylum from which he had escaped just days prior. There is no indication of a trial or conviction in the traditional sense, as the perpetrator was deemed to be emotionally disturbed and was institutionalized. The incident left a lasting scar on the community and the police department, a testament to the unpredictable dangers of law enforcement.
