Officer Gethin G. Richards

Officer Gethin G. Richards

Akron Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Tuesday, March 12, 1918

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Gethin G. Richards

Officer Gethin Richards was the fourth of four Akron Policemen to be shot and killed by members of an Italian gang in retaliation for the Akron Police Department's crackdown on their gambling dens and brothels.

He was shot five times in front of 323 South Main Street at 1:00 a.m. The gang was responsible for the deaths of Officer Guy Norris, shot and killed on December 24, 1917, and Officers Edward J. Costigan and Joseph H. Hunt, both shot and killed January 10, 1918.

The Akron Police Department was baffled by the murders, not realizing the gang's involvement until an anonymous phone caller implicated one of the gang members who was arrested in New York. The suspect implicated five other gang members who were arrested and charged with murder.

Four of the suspects were executed in Ohio's electric chair, one on October 4, 1918, two on February 19, 1919, and one July 24, 1919. The other two suspects were sentenced to life in prison. One was released in 1934 and deported to Italy. The other suspect was denied parole in 1964.

Bio

  • Age 37
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge 43

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Four executed

gambling, retaliation, sex offense

Most Recent Reflection

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NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Ohio Attorneys General Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Officer Gethin G. Richards of the Akron Police Department, Ohio and the additional 61 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

March 12, 2023

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