Patrolman Melton was shot and killed Thursday, April 21, 1977 in Des Moines, Ia, after he and another officer arrested two men for public intoxication. While walking one of the men to the patrol wagon a scuffle ensued and an officer's handgun came free from its holster. The suspect picked up the gun and shot Patrolman Melton in the chest. The suspect was charged with 1st Degree Murder but was acquitted as the defense portrayed him as being the victim of police brutality. Patrolman Melton served with the Des Moines Police Department for four years. He was 25 years old.
Brian is survived by his wife Karin Melton, daughter Carrie and son Eric Melton, as well as his parents Charles and Marilyn Melton.
Services were 2:00 P.M. Saturday April 23, 1977 at the First Christian Church. Officiating was Rev. Robert Duckett and Chaplin Charles Smith. Pallbearers: Officer James Osterquist, Officer Dave Clark, Officer Rick Fedson, Officer Phyllis Henry, Officer Kevin Burke. Police Honor Gurard: Capt. John Swan, Sgt. Joe Fusaro, Officer Ronald Vestal.
Interment: Monday April 25, 1977 at Lyndon, Illinois.
'Brian's body and headstone were moved to a Melton family plot at Malta Cemetery in Malta, Illinois.
Patrolman Melton was shot and killed Thursday, April 21, 1977 in Des Moines, Ia, after he and another officer arrested two men for public intoxication. While walking one of the men to the patrol wagon a scuffle ensued and an officer's handgun came free from its holster. The suspect picked up the gun and shot Patrolman Melton in the chest. The suspect was charged with 1st Degree Murder but was acquitted as the defense portrayed him as being the victim of police brutality. Patrolman Melton served with the Des Moines Police Department for four years. He was 25 years old.
Brian is survived by his wife Karin Melton, daughter Carrie and son Eric Melton, as well as his parents Charles and Marilyn Melton.
Services were 2:00 P.M. Saturday April 23, 1977 at the First Christian Church. Officiating was Rev. Robert Duckett and Chaplin Charles Smith. Pallbearers: Officer James Osterquist, Officer Dave Clark, Officer Rick Fedson, Officer Phyllis Henry, Officer Kevin Burke. Police Honor Gurard: Capt. John Swan, Sgt. Joe Fusaro, Officer Ronald Vestal.
Interment: Monday April 25, 1977 at Lyndon, Illinois.
'Brian's body and headstone were moved to a Melton family plot at Malta Cemetery in Malta, Illinois.
