Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I apologize in advance if any of this is too graphic. I was present at the scene when this happened. I was a U of A student at the time, and was pledging the Kappa Sigma fraternity. The Kappa Sigma compound consisted of a few small houses surrounded by a fence next to an alley. The party crashers entered through the back by jumping the fence. We believed they were gang members at the time. They immediately started fighting with some of the fraternity members and the police were called.

One of them drew a handgun and was waving it around. I recall seeing the kid with the gun (who later was identified as Eddie Morris Myers) turn towards me and some people next to me (he was about 10 feet from where I was standing) and pointing the gun at us.

Just then I saw two Campus officers sprinting towards him. One went to grab the kid's gun, the other drew and fired. I saw the one who had been lunging for the gun go down.

Mass chaos right after that. A group of us were huddled in one of the small houses. I looked out the window and saw hinm on the ground in the courtyard, on his back. I had been certified in CPR so I went outside to try to help him until paramedics arrived. As soon as I set foot out the front door a campus policewoman pointed a gun in my face. I told her I was certified in CPR and was going to try to help the officer. She let me pass.

I sprinted over and knelt down beside the officer. I saw that someone had stuck a rag under his armpit and it was soaked in blood. Nonetheless I started chest compressions the way I had been taught. I remember thinking that the officer had a far away look in his eyes.

The paramedics showed up very shortly after that and they pushed me out of the way, hard. I remember falling backwards and hitting the ground.

Initially we all thought that the kid with the gun had shot the officer. I later found out that the fallen officer's name was Kevin Barleycorn and that it was friendly fire that ended his life.

Kevin Barleycorn was clearly a very brave guy and he gave his life to protect others. I have a huge amount of respect and gratitude for what he did. I feel a lot of sympathy for the officer that shot him and hope they are at peace with the situation.

I have no idea what happened to Eddie Morris Myers but I hope he got some help and managed to turn his life around. I was angry with him for a very long time but I've since made peace with the situation.

I transferred schools shortly thereafter, which turned out to be the right thing for me to do, because I had been homesick, and my grades went way up at my new school. I was never officially a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity because I transferred schools but I still talk to some of those guys now and again.

To the family of Kevin Barleycorn, sorry for your loss, and my prayers are with you. He was a very brave guy. I might not be here to tell the tale if not for him.

S. Lowe
Eye Witness & Good Samaritan

December 23, 2023

I was a new student in the dorms across the street from the party. Me and my friends heard the shots and witnessed the subjects flee the scene. I went over to one of the officers and reported what I had witnessed and eventually gave a statement to a detective. Total respect for the officers that responded and my prayers are with the families of all the officers.

Special Agent Eric Tunell (Ret.)
Treasury Department

August 24, 2023

I was assigned to Kevin for F.TO on the midnight shift on August 23, 1990, because my regular F.T.O had sustained a broken thumb backing-up our Sergeant the night before. To me Kevin, was the epitome of the quiet professional. He did not have to yell or show anger to get his point across. He trained police officers to work with common sense and simplicity. As an example, after reading one of my reports, Kevin told me “Don’t be so verbose”, write what you mean and keep it simple. I carried this advise with me my entire career. In the morning, at the end of the shift, Kevin told me “Good job, enjoy your weekend”. As we all know, being on F.T.O can be a stressful time full of anxiety. Reflecting back on Kevin’s last words to me, I know it was Kevin’s way of easing my anxiety. That’s the type of leader Kevin was. Kevin displayed and possessed tremendous potential. I want the new officers and the other UAPD officers to know that Corporal Barleycorn is much more than just a name on a memorial.

Lieutenant Juan Alvarez (Ret.)
University of Arizona Police Department

August 22, 2021

Cpl. Barleycorn,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of of the state of Arizona. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 24, 2020

Rest in peace always and know that your service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 24, 2020

RIP sir, you will never ever be forgotten.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police - Troop D

August 4, 2020

I went to the University of AZ police station and saw your photo in the case. I looked up your story. I did not know you but Not forgotten.

Pastor Bob Kraft
Former Army Security Agency.

June 22, 2020

Rest in peace Corporal Barleycorn.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 17, 2019

Rest In Peace Brother LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 28th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

August 24, 2018

Happy Father’s Day dad.

Trevor
Son

June 17, 2018

Dear Corporal Barleycorn,

I was at the fraternity party that night in 1990 during a visit with friends who attended U of A. Everything seemed to happen in a flash, but the police took the threat seriously and, to our relief, arrived on the scene so very quickly. I gained a new respect that night for the split-second decisions that must be made and the constant danger in which law enforcement must find themselves all too often.

But the main message I would like to send is my undying gratitude for your bravery and sacrifice. It was almost 28 years ago now, but I will never forget the shock and terror of everyone lying on the floor inside the house, hearing gunshots just outside. You and your colleagues willingly took on this person who had threatened our safety. You didn't know us, and yet you laid down your life to protect us. I think of you from time to time, and will always be thankful for what you did...none of us who were there that night will ever forget. You are my hero.

Tina Carlson
Grateful Civilian

February 18, 2018

CPL Barleycorn,

I was only 9 years old when you went before us. I was brought to this page today because Carol was able to help me on the phone today with a case I am working on and told me about you. I could tell she was very proud to call you her husband and with the other posts on this page it sounds like you were an outstanding officer and a very loved member of your agency. Thank you for your service and may God shine his light on your family.

DET GL

January 28, 2016

I was in the academy when Cpl Barleycorn was killed. His death brought home to myself and the other recruits that the reality was that there were no guarantee that we would go home after shift was done. I never forgot his name, God bless his soul.

PO
NYS Univ Police

March 4, 2015

In a time of much turmoil between police and the public, I wanted to remember a fallen officer that helped me. Corporal Barleycorn saw me get knocked off my bike by a state truck on campus. He handled the situation, got me help and genuinely cared. His death shook the community and though our interaction was brief, I have never forgotten him and his sacrifice.

M. Donald
civilian

January 12, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. I am privileged to pay tribute to you. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know that both the pain and pride are forever. Your family is in my heart's embrace. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 12, 2013

Corporal Barleycorn,

May your children live in the freedom, with all the liberty and greatness this nation has to offer, paid for so many times over by you and your family's great sacrifice. You are not forgot. You and your family are not forgotten.

Retired Javier Cota
Arizona

December 26, 2012

Although we never met I was just a baby. My daddy, your brother, told me all about you. You were a great man with a huge and loving heart. One day we will meet, although I hope not too soon, you are always in my heart Uncle Kevin and I love and miss you too.

Alexandria Barleycorn
Niece

September 20, 2012

I MISS YOU,

LIAM W BARLEYCORN
BROTHER

August 24, 2012

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

August 6, 2012

Kevin was my FTO at the U of A police department. I come to this site often to fondly remember and reflect upon my friend and colleague. Rest in Peace.

Jacqueline Litzinger, chief of police
CSX Transportation Police Department

June 23, 2012

Even though years have passed your service and dedication will never be forgotten. RIP

VIP
Ventura Calif. police dept.

August 24, 2010

Kevin, Today I am going to your daughters wedding shower and I know in her heart she wishes you were here to walk her down the aisle next month. You will be in all our hearts on her special day. We miss you so much. Your wife has done a great job raising all the kids. You would be so proud. Love always and rest in peace.
Lucy

Lucy Spangler
Friend

September 20, 2008

Cpl. Barleycorn,
On today, the 18th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Arizona. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

August 24, 2008

Rest in Peace, Corporal Barleycorn. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

May 19, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 18, 2007