Badge: 1303
Age:  40
Served: 11 years
1979 to September 25, 1990

During 1984, John Bundy had blown off half his face in a suicide attempt.  He was committed to the Veterans Administration Hospital of Chillicothe.  His wife, Barbara, divorced him.  Later, she married Robert Palmer of the Elsmere Police Department.  Though labeled by one doctor as “remarkably dangerous” based on statements Bundy made with regard to his family, on February 1, 1990, they released him.

On Labor Day, September 3, 1990, Bundy burst into the Palmers’ home and started shooting at everyone inside.  Before Sergeant Palmer could react, he and their two youngest children, Casey (2) and Robyn (3), were shot.  Though wounded, Sergeant Palmer put up a fierce fight, returned fire, and shot Bundy eleven times.  The two children and Bundy died at the scene.  Sergeant Palmer was rushed to a hospital.  Mrs. Palmer was not physically injured. 

Sergeant Palmer died 22 days later on September 25, 1990.  He was survived by his wife and her son.  His funeral was held at St. Henry Church, 3813 Dixie Highway.  He was buried with his children in Highland Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell.

Mrs. Palmer sued the Veterans Administration and in 1995 was awarded a $2.75 Million judgment.  She died in 2004, 14 years after the murders and buried with her husband and children.

If you have further information, artifacts, or pictures of this officer, please contact the Museum Director at Director@GCPHS.com.