Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer James Reifschneider was struck and killed by a drunk driver while on I-270 one mile west of Lindbergh Boulevard. He was standing by the driver's side door of a stalled vehicle talking with the driver when a 19-year-old youth struck him and dragged him 150 feet down the roadway. The suspect fled the scene but was found passed out in the back seat of his vehicle parked in front of his residence a short time later. It was later discovered he had crashed into a parked vehicle near his residence before he got home. The man admitted he had been drinking a lot and did not remember the crash. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to six years in prison. Three months later a judge ruled his sentence was too harsh and reduced it to two years. Officer Reifschneider had served with the St. Louis County Police Department for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-670410C8- 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Reifschneider gave the St. Louis County Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Clayton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Reifschneider.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer James R. Reifschneider 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. Louis County Police Department, 6 of 11 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 54.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James R. Reifschneider's cause is highlighted.
How James R. Reifschneider Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 2 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James R. Reifschneider is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James R. Reifschneider was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from St. Louis County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
