In the line of duty, 32-year-old Probation/Parole Officer Jeffery Matthew McCoy was killed on Friday, May 18, 2012, in Midwest City, Oklahoma. McCoy was conducting a pre-release supervision check at a residence on Maple Drive when the fatal encounter occurred. He was a respected officer with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for seven years and a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Oklahoma National Guard.
The events of that day unfolded when a male subject, who was not the focus of Officer McCoy's visit, answered the door. This individual, later identified as 21-year-old Lester E. Kinchion, immediately pushed McCoy off the front porch, initiating a struggle. During the altercation, Kinchion managed to gain control of McCoy's service weapon and shot him at least once. After the shooting, Kinchion retreated into the house.
As officers from the Midwest City Police Department arrived at the scene, Kinchion fired at them from inside the residence. He was taken into custody shortly after he exited the home again. It was later revealed that Kinchion was being treated for schizophrenia. Despite his mental health condition, he was deemed competent to stand trial.
Lester E. Kinchion was charged with first-degree murder and other weapons-related offenses. In a plea deal to avoid the death penalty, he pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. During the court proceedings, Kinchion expressed remorse and apologized to McCoy's family. The tragic death of Officer McCoy left behind his wife and two young children.
