Son Of Slain Sheriff’s Deputy Convicted In His Shooting Death

Kansas City, KS – The son of slain Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Captain Christopher Arnold has been convicted of fatally shooting him in 2019.

A jury convicted Zachary Arnold of involuntary manslaughter on March 31, WDAF reported.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 23.

Zachary Arnold was 22 years old when he called 911 at approximately 7:50 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2019, to report a shooting at Capt. Arnold’s home on North 76th Street, KSHB reported at the time.

Kansas City, Kansas police found the veteran deputy’s body inside his residence.

First responders said that Capt. Arnold, 57, was shot in the head during a domestic dispute, according to KSNT.

The Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office initially charged Zachary Arnold with second-degree murder for shooting his father to death, The Kansas City Star reported.

Capt. Arnold served the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) for 28 years, according to his obituary.

Over the years, he worked as a K9 commander and range master, and was also a small arms and Taser instructor.

“Today we lost a good man,” Wyandotte County Fraternal Order of Police President Jeff Tayler said on the day of Capt. Arnold’s murder, according to KSHB. “It pains me to think of how he passed.”

Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Captain shot and killed in his home last night identified as Capt. Chris Arnold. Tomorrow would have been his 59th birthday #ThinBlueLine #RIP Prayers for the family. pic.twitter.com/ZGyPyoXj3p

— Dave D'Marko (@DaveDMarko) October 6, 2019

Wyandotte County Sheriff Don Ash described Capt. Arnold as “a man of integrity” in a Facebook post.

“[He] loved his family, especially his son Zach,” Sheriff Ash said. “It’s hard to make sense of events such as these. I learned a long time ago that it is futile to ask ‘why’ such things happen, especially to really good people.”

“I don’t think I will ever forget Chris Arnold and those of you that knew him, even for a short period of time, probably won’t forget him either,” the sheriff added. “Let’s pull together in this difficult time and bring honor to Chris’ life and service.”

In addition to his son, Capt. Arnold left behind his stepdaughter, sisters, step granddaughter, and many friends and extended family members, according to his obituary.