United States of America
Headstone of Kenneth Joseph McCoy

Kenneth Joseph McCoy

Died June 7, 1973

Kenneth Joseph McCoy.

How He Died
Manner Accident
Cause Multiple traumatic injuries
What Happened

Detective Kenneth McCoy was shot and killed in crossfire during a shootout with several suspects. He and several other officers were conducting a stakeout of a tavern in the 1800 block of Lynch Avenue that was reportedly going to be robbed. While watching the tavern, local neighborhood kids told one of the officers there was a group of men with guns nearby. The four officers then went to the tavern owner's home, thinking that the robbery was going to occur there. Detective McCoy changed clothes with the tavern owner and then went to the driveway and pretended to examine a car. The group of men approached, and shots were exchanged. During the ensuing shootout, one of the suspects was killed, and Detective McCoy was struck by a round fired by another officer with a gun he had loaned him. Detective McCoy was a United States Vietnam War veteran and had served with the East St. Louis Police Department for four years.

Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, son, and daughter.
Media
Kenneth Joseph McCoy
Kenneth Joseph McCoy 0 views
Service Record
Also Served
East St. Louis Police Department
Detective
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 38-E · Line 12 cut as KENNETH JOSEPH MCCOY
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtn4hpzq9w5w1w118zdxh
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Detective McCoy gave the East St. Louis Police Department 4 years.

Thank you for your service to the East St. Louis community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

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

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