Chief Berendes was beaten to death with a shovel Wednesday, April 16, 1969, while investigating a burglary at a local garage. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 50 years, but was paroled less then three years later.

Chief Berendes had served with the Bellevue Police Department for 13 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters and was 60 years old.

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