U.S. Army · United States 
Russell Mestdagh
1975
Russell D. Mestdagh served the U.S. Army for 3 years.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Police Officer Russell Mestdagh was shot and killed during a robbery at Traxler Pharmacy at 651 East 59th Street in Kansas City. At 3:30 p.m., Officer Mestagh and his partner responded to a hold-up alarm at the pharmacy. He was shot four times as he confronted the suspects inside the store. One suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison and 40 years for robbery. A second suspect was sentenced to life and 50 years for robbery. A third suspect was sentenced to 10 years for robbery. Officer Mestdagh was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Kansas City Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his son, mother, stepfather, and three sisters.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1968 – 1971
Also Served
Kansas City Police Department
Police Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
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