Louisville, Kentucky, December 24, 2025
On December 24, the Louisville Metro Police Department held a memorial service to honor Detective Deidre Mengedoht who lost her life in the line of duty seven years prior. The event highlighted her dedication to community service and addressed ongoing public safety challenges within the city, including recent crime incidents. The legacy of Detective Mengedoht continues to inspire community involvement and support for local law enforcement.
Louisville, Kentucky – December 24, 2025
Community Remembers Detective Deidre Mengedoht Seven Years Later
A Memorial Service Highlights Her Legacy and Community Impact
On December 24, 2025, the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) gathered to honor the memory of Detective Deidre Mengedoht, who tragically lost her life in the line of duty seven years ago. The ceremony took place at the LMPD 2nd Division Headquarters, where family, friends, and colleagues commemorated her unyielding dedication to serving the community. The importance of supporting local law enforcement is evident in the continued recognition of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Detective Mengedoht was fatally injured on December 24, 2018, when her patrol vehicle was struck by an impaired driver during a traffic stop on Interstate 64. The impact resulted in her vehicle catching fire, leading to her untimely death. The driver of the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) truck was subsequently charged with driving under the influence and murder of a law enforcement officer. Mengedoht was just 32 years old and left behind a young son. Honoring her legacy, a section of Interstate 64 has been dedicated in her name, and the department’s renovated gym is also a tribute to her commitment to protecting and serving the community.
Community Challenges Highlighted by Recent Crime Incidents
In an alarming turn of events, a separate incident in southwest Louisville involved a 15-year-old girl being charged in connection with a fatal shooting. On December 20, 2025, police responded to a reported shooting in the Pleasure Ridge Park neighborhood. Officers found 20-year-old Milton Ritchie outside a vehicle in a ditch, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting investigations that revealed the involvement of the young suspect, who has been charged with complicity to murder and robbery. This situation underscores the pressing need for community engagement to address public safety concerns.
Law Enforcement Accountability and Integrity Initiatives
In recent developments emphasizing the importance of accountability within law enforcement, a deputy from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was arrested on charges of forgery and perjury. Allegations include falsified vehicle inspection forms, which not only demonstrate serious misconduct but also pose a risk to public trust in local law enforcement agencies. This incident has prompted an internal investigation to ensure appropriate measures are taken and to foster transparency within the community.
Community Involvement in Public Safety
Additionally, Shively police are actively seeking the public’s help in identifying a woman who allegedly robbed a Thorntons convenience store at gunpoint. The suspect is described as a female in her late 20s to early 30s, approximately 5’6″ tall with a medium build and dark hair. This call for public assistance highlights the critical role of community vigilance in maintaining public safety and the importance of being proactive in reducing crime incidents.
The Legacy of Detective Mengedoht
Detective Mengedoht’s legacy continues to resonate within the Louisville community. Her commitment to law enforcement, her qualifications as a graduate of Eastern High School and the University of Louisville, and her prior experiences as a beat officer before advancing to detective reflect her dedication to service. The annual memorial service not only serves as a remembrance but also as a rallying point for community support and recognition of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Detective Deidre Mengedoht?
Detective Deidre Mengedoht was a dedicated member of the Louisville Metro Police Department, serving the community for seven years. She was a graduate of Eastern High School and the University of Louisville. In October 2011, she joined the LMPD’s training academy and began her career as a beat officer before becoming a detective with the 2nd Division. Her colleagues and community members remember her for her commitment to law enforcement and her passion for serving the community. Her untimely death on December 24, 2018, was a significant loss to the department and the city of Louisville.
What happened to Detective Mengedoht?
On December 24, 2018, Detective Mengedoht was killed when her patrol vehicle was struck by an impaired driver while she was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 64 in downtown Louisville. The collision caused her vehicle to become engulfed in flames, resulting in her death at the scene. The driver of the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) truck was charged with driving under the influence and murder of a law enforcement officer. Detective Mengedoht had served the LMPD for seven years and is survived by her young son.
What is the latest on the fatal shooting in southwest Louisville?
A 15-year-old girl has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in the 3000 block of Fordhaven Road, near Louisville’s Pleasure Ridge Park neighborhood. On December 20, 2025, officers responded to a reported shooting and found a vehicle in a ditch with a man in his 20s outside, who had been shot multiple times. The victim, later identified as 20-year-old Milton Ritchie, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 15-year-old girl, whose name is not being released due to her age, has been charged with complicity to murder and robbery. Police are seeking additional information from the public to assist in the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the anonymous tip line at 502-574-LMPD.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Memorial Service for Detective Mengedoht | A ceremony held on December 24, 2025, at the LMPD 2nd Division Headquarters to honor Detective Deidre Mengedoht, who died in the line of duty seven years ago. |
| Fatal Shooting in Southwest Louisville | A 15-year-old girl was arrested and charged with complicity to murder and robbery in connection with the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Milton Ritchie on December 20, 2025. |
| Jefferson County Deputy Arrested | A deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was arrested on charges of forgery and perjury for allegedly falsifying vehicle inspection forms. |
| Shively Police Seek Robbery Suspect | Shively police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a woman who allegedly robbed a Thorntons convenience store at gunpoint. |
Now Happening on X
- @courierjournal (December 23, 2025, 4:00 PM) LMPD is investigating a collision in south Louisville that resulted in one fatality. View on X
- @WLKY (December 21, 2025, 9:14 AM) Louisville Metro Police are investigating the shooting death of a man near Pleasure Ridge Park. View on X
- @LouMetroTV (December 23, 2025, 9:48 PM) LMPD reports a reduction in violent crime in Louisville for the year, crediting officers and community partners. View on X
- @LouisvilleMayor (December 20, 2025, 7:00 PM) Mayor Greenberg announced new public safety initiatives, including a First Responder Drone Program and a new LMPD headquarters. View on X
- @LouisvilleMayor (December 22, 2025, 1:01 AM) Mayor Greenberg highlighted Louisville’s community resilience amid 2025 snowstorms, tornadoes, and Ohio River flooding. View on X
- @courierjournal (December 19, 2025, 8:00 AM) An LMPD officer shot and injured a man in the Gardiner Lane neighborhood during an incident. View on X
- @LouisvilleMayor (December 20, 2025, 1:54 AM) Mayor Greenberg discussed ongoing efforts to enhance public safety across all Louisville neighborhoods through collaboration. View on X
- @alertpage (December 18, 2025, 11:50 AM) An officer-involved shooting in Louisville left a suspect with two gunshot wounds; no officers were injured. View on X
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