MCS Report #21
Classification: Homicide
Requesting Agency: East St. Louis Police Department
Date of Activation: 11/09/1972
Commander and Department: Capt. Frank Reich, University City PD
Victim: Victor Gary Null
Suspect: Ronald Franchot Calvert
The East St. Louis Police Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the death of Victor Null (age 33). At approximately 5:40pm, police officers responded to H.C.S. Turbine Company (High Compression Seal Turbine Company - 905 St. Louis Avenue) to look for a missing person. Victor’s wife became concerned when she had not seen him since the previous day on 11/08/1972. When police officers arrived on scene, they located Victor Null inside a utility room. He had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead on scene.
During the investigation, it was discovered Victor had received a patent for a Gas Turbine Engine in 1969 that he was in the process of developing at the company. He needed financial backing as he developed his invention. In May 1972, Victor entered into a partnership agreement with financial backer James Calvert (age 73).
In July 1972, Ronald Calvert (age 39), acting through his father James Calvert, obtained life insurance policies on the life of Victor Null from various insurance companies in excess of $2,000,000.
In November 1972, Victor Null was shot and killed.
The person who shot and killed Victor has never been identified.
Ronald Calvert was charged in Federal Court with the following in connection with Victor's death:
Anyone with additional information in this case is asked to contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).
