United States of America
Headstone of Henry Lee Callanen
U.S. Army · United States United States

Henry Lee Callanen

Died May 15, 1993

Henry Lee Callanen served in the U.S. Army for 2 years and 11 months. Henry served during the years of the Korean War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Patrolman Henry Callanen was shot and killed while moonlighting at a local McDonald's. While going to make a bank deposit, he was shot and killed by one of two suspects who confronted him. 24 hours later a traffic stop of a Mustang driven by a 19-year-old who had committed a traffic violation and had no drivers license led to his arrest and a charge for Patrolman Callanen's murder. The murder weapon was found in his car. On November 7, 1993, the killer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was released in leu of bond until his appeal was heard. While free he was arrested again on traffic charges. He lost his appeal and was sent to prison. On August 1, 2002, he applied for executive clemency, stating it was his companion who was the killer. Clemency was denied by Governor Mike Huskabee. On April 7, 1994, his accomplice, 18, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. As of December 15, 2022, the one denied clemency was in prison. While free, an Arkansas Sate Representative introduced a bill that led to the elimination of all post-conviction appeal bonds for convicted murderers. Patrolman Callanen had been with the Little Rock Police Department for 36 years.

Survivors
He was survived by his sister and niece.
Media
Henry Lee Callanen
Henry Lee Callanen 0 views
Service Record
U.S. Army
1951 – 1954
Also Served
Little Rock Police Department
Patrolman
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 4-W · Line 19 cut as HENRY LEE CALLANEN
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

36 years. You could have gone home.

Patrolman Callanen gave the Little Rock Police Department 36 years. Still answering calls at the end.

Thank you for your service to the Little Rock community. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, Patrolman Callanen.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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