On a summer day in 1981, the life of a dedicated Kentucky State Police detective was tragically cut short. Darrell Vendl Phelps, a 34-year-old Caucasian male, was working in Edmonson County on August 7th, part of an investigation into the illegal cultivation of marijuana. With twelve years of service under his belt, Phelps was a seasoned officer, committed to his duty to protect and serve the people of Kentucky.
While he and another officer were combing through a marijuana field, they
encountered a suspect. In a sudden act of violence, the individual opened fire, and Detective Phelps was fatally wounded. The news of his death sent shockwaves through his community and the law enforcement fraternity, leaving behind his wife, daughter, and son to grapple with the profound loss of a husband and father.
The aftermath of the shooting saw a swift response from law enforcement. The suspect, identified as Harry Lee Shelor Jr., was apprehended and faced the consequences of his actions. On September 4, 1981, Shelor was convicted for the murder of Detective Phelps and received a sentence of 50 years in prison. He began serving his time on June 30, 1982. After nearly 31 years behind bars, Shelor was released on February 13, 2013.
