Halloween marks one year anniversary of cop murder

By Jeff Small

KSDK -- Saturday marks the one year anniversary of a deadly shooting in University City. Sergeant Michael King was on duty in the Loop when he was gunned down on Halloween night.

Alleged shooter Todd Shepard was arrested five days after last year's murder. This Halloween weekend, people were reflecting on the crime and how Sergeant King's killing has led to some good things.

Sgt. King was shot and killed as he sat in his patrol car, parked at the intersection of Leland Avenue and Delmar Boulevard. A man approached his vehicle on foot and opened fire without warning.

Longtime resident Lydia Derfler says things have changed, but not the memories of what happened last Halloween.

"The U-City Police Department does a good job in the loop just holding it together, but I can't believe it's been a year already," Derfler said.

Business owners and managers say more security cameras are now in place and calmness has been restored.

"It's safer and better than before and I think Sergeant Mike King would appreciate that and that's why he was a police officer, to make sure the area was safe," said business owner Joe Edwards.

Store manager Christine Wilmes said, "It did cause people to be more aware and now there are more police covering the area and the police have done a great job to try and kick up coverage."

Saturday there will be a memorial and dedication ceremony at 10:00 a.m. to honor University City public servants who made the ultimate sacrifice. A new flag pole will be dedicated and a memorial monument will be unveiled. The ceremony will be outside of University City City Hall at the corner of Sergeant Mike King Drive and Delmar Blvd.