Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Fred Karr was shot and killed as he pursued a vehicle on Southwest Boulevard, through Rosedale, at approximately 1:00 am.
As the vehicles approached the railroad tracks, near 1314 Southwest Boulevard, several occupants in the car stood up and opened fire on Patrolman Karr, striking him twice in the chest with revolver rounds. His motorcycle crashed into a curb and he was thrown to the ground.
The vehicle he was pursuing continued to flee the area and it is unknown if anyone was ever arrested for his murder.
Patrolman Karr had served with the Rosedale Police Department for only two weeks.
Thank you for your service and please know that no passage of time will ever erase your sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) July 10th, 2020
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KS-F36D1B9F- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Patrolman Karr served with the Rosedale Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Kansas City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Karr.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James M. Karr Jr. is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In KS, 237 of 335 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.7% of this state's fallen. That is 70.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Rosedale Police Department, 2 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James M. Karr Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How James M. Karr Jr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James M. Karr Jr. is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James M. Karr Jr. was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rosedale Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
