Officer McPherren was shot and killed Friday, September 13, 1985, when he responded with other officers to a robbery at a local grocery store. He was posted at the the rear of the store waiting for the robber to exit. A second robber was posted near the rear of the store as a lookout and a gunfight ensued between the officers and the suspects.

The fatal shot struck between the panels of Officer McPherren's vest. Both of the suspects were wounded and fled. They were later apprehended and convicted of First Degree murder. Both received life sentences without parole for the murder of Officer McPherren.

Officer McPherren was survived by his wife and three children. He served with the Newton Police Department for 11 years and was 36 years old.

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