Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Charles Hensley was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary in progress. He was shot twice when he discovered two men breaking into a building in an alley in the block bounded by Felix Street, Francis Street, 2nd Street, and 3rd Street. He identified the suspect who shot him just before he died at a hospital hours later. The suspect was arrested later that same day. One week later the suspect, 33, was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison on May 30, 1922. Patrolman Hensley had served with the St. Joseph Police Department for 23 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, six brothers, and one sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-5CC22A86- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
23 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Hensley gave the St. Joseph Police Department 23 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the St. Joseph community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hensley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Charles Hensley is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In MO, 516 of 813 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.5% of this state's fallen. That is 9.3 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At St. Joseph Police Department, 7 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Hensley's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Hensley Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Hensley is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Hensley was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from St. Joseph Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
