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$100,000 Reward Offered in 1970 Murder Case of
St. Paul Cop

Officer James Sackett Shot by Sniper while on Duty

James Sackett

CASE SOLVED

SAINT PAUL - (June 10, 2004) - Spotlight on Crime today announced a reward of up to $100,000 for information that leads to the capture and arrest of the person(s) responsible for the 1970 murder of St. Paul police officer James T. Sackett.

On May 22, 1970, Sackett, 27, was shot and killed by a sniper while responding to a fake maternity call for help at a home in the 800 block of Hague Avenue, near Selby Avenue and Victoria Street in St. Paul. Investigators believe that Sackett, who had served on the force just 18 months, was not specifically targeted. Sackett was married and the father of four children, the youngest just three weeks old when he was killed. The evening he was shot was his first shift since the birth of his youngest child. Those responsible for his murder have not been caught, making his death the only unsolved police killing in the city.

"This brutal and calculated murder case has gone unsolved for 34 years too long," said Tim O'Malley, assistant superintendent at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. "There are individuals out there who still have information about this crime. Our hope is that by offering this reward, details will emerge that provide closure to the Sackett family and the St. Paul Police Department family."

Details of the Case:

James Sackett (St. Paul)

Police officer Sackett was shot by a sniper at 12:30 a.m. on the night of May 22, 1970, while responding to a fake police call to a home in the 800 block of Hague Avenue, near Selby Avenue and Victoria Street. An 18-year-old woman was charged with making a fake call for help, telling authorities that her pregnant sister was ready to give birth. The woman refused to reveal the names of others involved and served time in jail for contempt of court. Ronald Reed and Larry Clark were convicted of first degree murder in the spring of 2006 when the women testified that Ronald Reed persuaded her to make the fake phone call that brought officer Sackett to the ambush. Both Clark and Reed received life sentences.

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Spotlight on Crime is a fund that provides cash rewards for information that helps solve violent crimes. It is a collaboration between members of the Minnesota Business Partnership and public safety officials.