NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks (573) 526-6115

Q08054

Sgt. D.S. Bracker (417) 895-6767 x253

August 17, 2005

EMPHASIS: Trooper Killed In The Line Of Duty





The Missouri State Highway Patrol regrets to inform the public that a trooper was killed in the line of duty today, August 17, 2005. Corporal John A. “Jay” Sampietro Jr. was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 44 in Webster County, near Strafford, MO. He was taken to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO, where he succumbed to his injuries. At the time he was struck, Corporal Sampietro was assisting the Patrol’s Major Crash Investigation Team at the site of an earlier traffic crash.



Corporal Sampietro was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated from Sikeston Senior High School in Sikeston, MO, in 1987. Corporal Sampietro was appointed to the Patrol in January 1992, and was originally assigned to Troop E, Poplar Bluff. He earned an associate’s of science degree from Mineral Area College in Flat River, MO. In March 2003, he transferred to Troop D, Springfield. In addition to his road duties, Corporal Sampietro was a pilot assigned to Troop D Headquarters.



Corporal Sampietro leaves behind a wife and two young sons, ages 4, and 10 months. Corporal Sampietro’s wife is a radio operator for the Patrol at Troop D Headquarters. He is the 26th member of the Patrol to make the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the citizens of Missouri. Corporal Sampietro is the third member of the Patrol to die in the line of duty in 2005.