Indiana State Police, Indiana
End of Watch Monday, September 30, 1957
Add to My HeroesWilliam Rae Kellems
Trooper William Kellems was shot and killed by the suspects who had shot and killed Michigan State Trooper Dugald Pellot earlier in the day.
After murdering Trooper Pellot, the suspects fled to Indiana where Trooper Kellems spotted the suspects' vehicle traveling through Scott County. As Trooper Kellems made a traffic stop at U.S. 31 and State Road 56 in Scottsburg, two shots were fired as he approached the vehicle, fatally wounding him before the suspects fled the scene.
As the suspects attempted to run a roadblock, they wounded two other officers before the suspect who had murdered Trooper Pellot was shot and killed. The other suspect, who had taken a Jennings County deputy sheriff hostage during his escape, was captured and later sentenced to life in prison.
Trooper Kellems had served with the Indiana State Police for only 10 months and was assigned to the Charlestown post. He was a US Air Force veteran. Trooper Kellems was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 27
- Tour 10 months
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsThank you for your service and rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
September 30, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024
Corporal Luis Paez
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024
Police Officer Evan Dunn
Golden Police Department, CO
EOW: November 6, 2024
Police Officer Enrique Martinez
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: November 4, 2024
Detective Clarence E. Word, III
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: October 1, 2024
Trooper Corey S. Thompsen
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: October 18, 2024
Detective Maurice "Mo" Joseph
Norfolk Police Department, VA
EOW: October 9, 2024
Corrections Officer Bradford D. McNew
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: October 12, 2024
Corporal Raymond Kuuchi
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, US
EOW: September 2, 2024