Officer William Scobee was shot and mortally wounded by robbery suspects while investigating a disturbance.

On Saturday, May 8, 1920 at 11:10 pm, two men knocked at the door of an apartment over a butcher shop at 800 East 14th announcing that they were delivering a telegram. When the door was opened they forced their way in and ransacked the apartment. Officer Scobee, who had heard the womans screams and responded encountered the man, a block from the robbery, who was entering a car at 14th and Campbell Streets. Officer Scobee was shot twice in the chest by two men concealed in the car. Officer Scobee, who sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen, the bullets passed through his body and exited his back. The men got into the vehicle and left the scene. Officer Scobee was pronounced dead at General Hospital on May 9, 1920 at 3:45 pm. The suspects, who claimed to only speak Italian, were taken into custody from the vehicle located shortly after the shooting. They were identified by the female victim of the robbery, a city chauffeur and residents of the neighborhood who witnessed the shooting and subsequently charged with first degree murder. The robbery and murder charges were later dismissed. Officer Scobee was taken to the Nineteenth Street Police Station and then to General Hospital. He was pronounced dead the next day.

Officer Scobee had served with the Kansas City Police Department for 7 months and had served on the St Joseph's Police Department for many years prior. He was survived by his wife, Ethel, and a daughter, Netta. Interred: Lipp Cemetery, Putnam County, Missouri.

Article by Brent Marchant