Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Bernard Early was shot and killed while attempting to stop a robbery in a tavern at Easton Avenue and Vendeventer Avenue. While Officer Early was inside of the tavern a man entered and ordered everyone to put their hands up. Officer Early attempted to strike the man with his nightstick but missed. The man then turned and shot him several times. Officer Early was able to make it to a call box and summons help. He gave a description of the suspect, who was later arrested, before succumbing to his wounds. The 21-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 30 years. He was paroled on August 11, 1934. Officer Early had been with the agency for 21 years.
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BO-US-MO-B6583E1B- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
21 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer Early gave the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department 21 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the St. Louis community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Early.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Bernard Early 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. Bernard Early's cause is highlighted.
How Bernard Early Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1934
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Bernard Early is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Bernard Early was killed by handgun; revolver.
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.
