Incident
Constable Paul Kisselbach and Constable William Mason were shot after responding to a man with a gun call at a tavern at 4201 Trendley Avenue in East St. Louis. While investigating an unrelated stabbing in the area which occurred an hour earlier, the constables were called to the tavern at 3:30 am where a man had been brandishing a gun. Upon their arrival, the suspect began shooting, striking all three constables with a .38-caliber revolver before fleeing.
The constables were transported to St. Mary's Hospital where Constable Kisselbach, who was shot in the head, succumbed to his wound. Constable Mason, who was shot in the abdomen, died of his wounds six days later. The third constable survived his injuries. The suspect was later apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 99 years.
Constable Kisselbach had served as a constable in Centreville Township for eight years.
Constable Kisselbach was a former professional wrestler.
Constable Paul Kisselbach and Constable William Mason were shot after responding to a man with a gun call at a tavern at 4201 Trendley Avenue in East St. Louis.
While investigating an unrelated stabbing in the area which occurred an hour earlier, the constables were called to the tavern at 3:30 am where a man had been brandishing a gun. Upon their arrival, the suspect began shooting, striking all three constables with a .38-caliber revolver before fleeing.
The constables were transported to St. Mary's Hospital where Constable Kisselbach, who was shot in the head, succumbed to his wound. Constable Mason, who was shot in the abdomen, died of his wounds six days later. The third constable survived his injuries.
The suspect was later apprehended, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 99 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Constable Kisselbach gave the Centreville Township Constable's Office 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Centreville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Kisselbach.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Centreville Township Constable's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Paul is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Paul is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Paul is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1949, 5 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1949, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1949, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Paul was 37. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 37. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Saturdays: 15.8%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Centreville Township Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Centreville Township Constable's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Paul among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 21-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Centreville Township Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
