Captain Robert David Melton, aged 46, was tragically killed on July 19, 2016, in Kansas City, Kansas. Captain Melton, a veteran of the Kansas National Guard and a dedicated officer with the Kansas City Police Department, was responding to a call about shots fired in the area of 2nd and Edgerton Avenue around 1:33 PM. Upon arrival, several suspects fled the scene on foot.
Captain Melton was fatally shot near the intersection of 22nd Street and Haskell Avenue while searching for one of the suspects.
Two suspects were apprehended in connection with the incident. The primary suspect, who shot Captain Melton, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and criminal discharge of a firearm. He was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. The second suspect, who had already been taken into custody when Captain Melton was shot, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and criminal discharge of a firearm. He received a sentence of 21 months in prison.
Captain Melton's death was a significant loss to the community and the Kansas City Police Department, where he had served for 17 years. He was known for his dedication and service, having previously worked with the Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office for nine years. Captain Melton is survived by his three children and his expectant girlfriend.
