Bio & Incident Details
Age: 30
Tour: 7 years
Badge # Not available
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 1/10/1972
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect: Apprehended
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Deputy Ralph Hancock and Deputy Ralph Dwayne Wilder were shot and killed during a civil rights demonstration that turned into a riot in downtown Baton Rouge. Police converged on the demonstration to assist three newsmen who were attacked. A single shot was fired by an unknown person followed by a fierce gun battle between several demonstrators and police. Two minutes later when it was all over both Deputy Hancock and Deputy Wilder lay dead in the street. Two demonstrators were killed and 34 others were injured. Several suspects were arrested.
Eventually 13 suspects were charged in connection with Deputy Hancock's and Deputy Wilder's murder. On May 8, 1973, nine suspects were convicted of inciting to riot and participating in a riot in which death occurred. They were each sentenced to 21 years in prison. On March 31, 1975, the Louisiana Supreme Court overturned their convictions stating that they could not and did not receive a fair trial in Baton Rouge.
After the trial of the 13 suspects was over, the key witness in the trial received several death threats. On June 13, 1974, he was found shot to death outside his office in Baton Rouge.
Deputy Hancock had served with the agency for seven years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Related Line of Duty Deaths
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Deputy Sheriff Ralph Dwayne Wilder |
