Roll of Honor
Incident
Corporal Fred Richterkessing was shot and killed by one of his subordinate police officers whom he had written up several times for not being at his post.
The police headquarters had not received the officer's 7:30 pm call from the callbox at Broadway and Sixth Street. Ten minutes later Corporal Richterkessing's body was found at the intersection suffering a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
The officer who shot him was arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted of murder and subsequently sentenced to life in prison.
Cpl. Richterkessing, On today, the 115th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Louisville.
R.I.P. USBP
Anonymous United States Border Patrol April 1st, 2016
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-043BBC02- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Fred. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Corporal Richterkessing served with the Louisville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Richterkessing.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Corporal Fred J. Richterkessing 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Louisville Police Department, 51 of 91 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Fred J. Richterkessing's cause is highlighted.
How Fred J. Richterkessing Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Fred J. Richterkessing is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Fred J. Richterkessing was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
90 officers from Louisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
