Richard Pyle Jr.

How they died

Deadly force

Richard Pyle Jr. reportedly died in a shootout at the end of an 18-hour standoff. At 9:27 a.m. Monday, police went to the house after the Missouri Division of Family Services reported that two children there weren't registered in school. The officers spoke to three people through the door. At 11:20 a.m., a man and woman agreed to come out and said the children weren't there. Pyle, a visitor, stayed inside and wouldn't respond when police tried to communicate with him. According to police, Pyle was wanted for a parole violation and some city warrants. At about 11:40 a.m., officers kicked down the door. Pyle allegedly fired two shots at officers from the basement, said he wasn't coming out, and threatened to blow up the home. Officers retreated and a special-response team arrived. During the course of the standoff, police tried to communicate with Pyle, trained lights on the house, sent in a robot with a phone, cut the power and water, and brought out sharpshooters. At about 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, police decided to force Pyle out with tear gas. Pyle allegedly shot at officers again. This time, the special-response team returned fire.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Richard Pyle Jr., and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources