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Deputy Sheriff Ben Ray Walker | Genesee County Sheriff's Department, Michigan Genesee County Sheriff's Department, Michigan

Deputy Sheriff

Ben Ray Walker

Genesee County Sheriff's Department, Michigan

End of Watch: Tuesday, April 6, 1971

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 35

Tour: 3 years

Badge # Not available

Cause: Gunfire

Incident Date: 4/6/1971

Weapon: Officer's handgun

Suspect: One killed in prison

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Deputy Walker was shot and killed while he and his partner were escorting three prisoners to a dentist's office. Two of the prisoners were handcuffed together awaiting their turn. As Deputy Walker unlocked the handcuffs to take one of them to the exam room the two prisoners attacked him. During the scuffle the third prisoner went out the door with the other deputy in pursuit. One of the two attacking prisoners was able to take control of Deputy Walker's gun and shot the other deputy through a glass door as he was taking the third prisoner into custody at gunpoint.

The prisoner who shot the deputy then took his revolver as well and shot Deputy Walker as he attempted to access his backup weapon. The two attacking prisoners escaped as the third prisoner called the sheriff's office to report the incident. The two escapees were later apprehended and one was subsequently killed in prison during another escape attempt. The second suspect was sentenced to life in prison. The wounded deputy recovered from his wounds.

Deputy Walker had been with the agency for three years. He was survived by his wife, three daughters, parents, and two brothers.

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Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06
April 6, 2010

 

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