Last Known Activity:
Conroy George O'Brien was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, on May 4, 1952. He attended Fairfield Rural High School in Langdon, Kansas. Following graduation, he attended Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas, then Wichita State University.
He joined the Patrol on September 18, 1974, and was assigned field duties in Wichita. O'Brien transferred to the Patrol's Kansas Turnpike detail in 1977.
On May 24, 1978, at approximately 5 a.m., Trooper O'Brien stopped a vehicle on the Turnpike near Matfield Green (approximately 44 miles east of Wichita). What transpired immediately after the stop is uncertain, but at approximately 6 a.m., a truck driver reported that a patrol car was stopped with its lights flashing and an officer was lying in the ditch. Troopers responding to the scene found that O'Brien expired from two gunshot wounds to the head at close range.
Around 7:30 that morning, Trooper Charles Smith, stationed in Herington, observed a vehicle speeding north on US-77 approximately 4 miles south of Herington. Trooper Smith tried to stop the vehicle, and a pursuit ensued onto county roads. The vehicle reached a dead end, and the three occupants exited and began firing at Smith. Trooper Smith returned fire, striking one of the suspects in the leg. All three suspects then fled into a nearby wheat field.
A manhunt ensued, and all three suspects were apprehended that evening. Further investigation found that the three men were wanted in a string of armed robberies.
He was survived by his wife and unborn daughter
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Comments/Citation:
Trooper Conroy O'Brien was shot and killed during a traffic stop on the Kansas Turnpike near Matfield Green. During a struggle with the three suspects, they obtained his service weapon. One of the subjects then walked him to a nearby ditch and pistol whipped him, fracturing his skull. The man then shot him twice in the head before spitting on him. The subjects were later apprehended after a shootout with other officers. One turned state's evidence and served seven years, another died in prison in 2009, and the third man was sentenced to serve 45 years to life. The suspects were all wanted for a string of armed robberies at the time of the shooting. The man who shot Trooper O'Brien is eligible for parole in May 2011. Letters opposing parole should be sent to the following address no later than April 30, 2011: Kansas Department of Corrections Office of Victim Services (Re: Inmate Jimmie Nelms #0031834) Attn: Kimberly Marotta 900 SW Jackson Suite 400 Topeka, KS 66612 Trooper O'Brien had served with the agency for 4 years. He was survived by his expectant wife. Leave a Reflection · Update Memorial Read more: http://www.odmp.org/officer/10054-trooper-conroy-g-obrien#ixzz1rQ1PZKUG
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