Special Agent Richard Kelly

Richard Kelly

Special Agent Richard Kelly was shot and killed in the Illinois Central Railroad yards in Paducah, Kentucky, while searching a train for thieves.

He had observed a rope hanging over a boxcar that had entered the yards. He and two railroad workers opened the locked boxcar to inspect it but were surprised by several people inside. One of the occupants opened fire with a .45 caliber handgun, striking Special Agent Kelly in the chest. All of the subjects then fled the area on foot.

Investigators believed at the time that the men had entered the boxcar in another city to steal liquor but became trapped inside when the train suddenly moved and engaged an automatic lock on the door. It is not known if the suspects were ever apprehended.

Special Agent Kelly had previously served with the Paducah Police Department. He was survived by his wife, infant daughter, parents, and two brothers.