JCPD saddened by death of former officer

The Jefferson City Police Department on Monday mourned the loss of retired officer Paul Plunkett, who was fatally shot at his home on Saturday, saying it is "deeply saddened" by his death.

Plunkett, a 52-year-old retired Jefferson City police officer, was shot and killed in his Holts Summit home about 12:49 p.m. Saturday. His wife called 911, saying she saw a man wearing camouflage and holding a gun outside the residence.

On Sunday, Holts Summit Police Chief Kyle McIntyre said he believed that Plunkett had been targeted, but that he didn't have a suspect. He couldn't be reached for comment on Monday.

A JCPD news release said Plunkett was a mentor to many officers and a friend to everyone.

Plunkett worked at the JCPD from 1989 to 2008, when he retired in good standing as a Police Officer III. His duties included being on the department's SWAT Team and as a field training officer.

One of the accomplishments he was most proud of was his work with the Community Policing Team. On it, he worked with local neighborhoods to solve quality-of-life challenges by reducing crime and improving living conditions.