Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Patrick Stapleton was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a prowler call at 1421 Papin Street. As the officers searched the residence Officer, Stapleton looked outside and observed a man crouching between two sheds. He fired a shot at the man, who then ran away. As the officers chased him, they fired again, at which time the man returned fire, striking Officer Stapleton in the chest. The man was apprehended but claimed he didn't know he was firing at officers and was acquitted of the charges. Officer Stapleton had been with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for 18 years. He was survived by his wife and 14-year-old daughter. His wife was appointed as a female detective after his death.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 14-year-old daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-AB242119- 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 Patrick. 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.
Police Officer Stapleton gave the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Stapleton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Patrick Stapleton 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 Metropolitan Police Department, 112 of 176 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Patrick Stapleton's cause is highlighted.
How Patrick Stapleton Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Patrick Stapleton is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Patrick Stapleton was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
175 officers from St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
