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Incident
Police Officer Daniel McPherren was shot and killed when he responded with other officers to a robbery at the Hy-Vee grocery store in Newton. He was posted at the rear of the store, waiting for the robber to exit. A second robber was posted near the rear of the store as a lookout, and a gunfight ensued between the officers and the suspects. The fatal shot struck between the panels of Officer McPherren's vest. Both of the suspects were wounded and fled. Both had escaped from a minimum security prison in Newton. They were later apprehended and convicted of first-degree murder. Both received life sentences without parole for the murder of Officer McPherren. The subject who shot and killed Officer McPherren died in prison on March 21, 2017. The other subject remains in prison. Officer McPherren had served with the Newton Police Department for eight years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer McPherren gave the Newton Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer McPherren.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Newton Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Daniel is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Daniel is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Daniel is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1985, 1 officer in IA was killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 1985, 99 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1985, 125 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Daniel was 36. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41. Daniel had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Daniel was 36. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Daniel had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Daniel was 36. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Daniel had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Fridays: 14%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Newton Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Newton Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Daniel among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Newton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
