Partner of Missouri Trooper Denied Benefits

The longtime partner of a Missouri Highway Patrol trooper killed on Christmas Day is fighting for his spousal death benefits.

A spokesperson for the Missouri Highway Patrol told Fox2 St. Louis that Kelly Glossip (pictured left), the partner of Cpl. Dennis Engelhard (right) for 15 years, is not eligible for benefits from Engelhard's retirement pension because the two aren't legally married in Missouri, though the state doesn't allow same-sex marriage. Glossip told Fox2 he's having trouble paying bills and is in danger of losing the house he shared with Engelhard, who was killed in a traffic accident while on duty.

The 43-year-old Glossip made a heartfelt plea to Fox2 St. Louis: "We were hopelessly in love with each other ... I should have the same rights as any other spouse, as heterosexuals would have. And I just don't understand why people are so bigoted."