Conroy G. O'Brien

Trooper Conroy O'Brien was shot and killed during a traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Matfield Green. During a struggle with the three suspects, they obtained his service weapon. One of the subjects then walked him to a nearby ditch and pistol-whipped him, fracturing his skull. The man then shot him twice in the head before spitting on him. The subjects were later apprehended after a shootout with other officers. The suspects were all wanted for a string of armed robberies at the time of the shooting. One suspect turned state's evidence and served seven years, and another died in prison in 2009. The third man was sentenced to serve two consecutive life terms plus nine years. He was granted parole in 2025, but the decision was revoked after it was criticized. Trooper O'Brien had served with the Kansas Highway Patrol for four years. He was survived by his expectant wife. His daughter was born a few months later.