Cotton Plant Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch Friday, July 13, 1984
Add to My HeroesRoy L. Leon, Jr.
Officer Roy Leon and Chief of Police Leonard Cross were shot and killed after stopping a 16-year-old juvenile on a stolen motorcycle.
During the ensuing struggle, the suspect gained control of Chief Cross' weapon and shot both officers. The juvenile offender was captured six hours later.
The juvenile had a long criminal record, mostly involving stolen motorcycles. Since 1978, he has served three terms in juvenile facilities. On February 14, 1985, he was convicted of two counts of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole. As of December 13, 2022, he was in prison. He has committed 28 major disciplinary violations.
The killing of Police Officer Roy Leon and Chief of Police Leonard Cross left the town without any full-time law enforcement officers.
Bio
- Age 24
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Related LODD Deaths
Chief of Police Leonard E. Cross
Cotton Plant Police Department, AR
EOW: July 13, 1984
Most Recent Reflection
View all 15 ReflectionsI did go on to Nursing and Paramedic Schools…. Partly because of THAT night!! I remember wishing there was more I could do!!
I know NOW…. This wouldn’t have made a difference THAT night, but as a nurse/paramedic in West Tennessee…. I hope I have touched lives in a position way…..
Rest easy!! I will never forget!!!
Robin Brainard
LPN/Paramedic
January 2, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Lieutenant Michael Hoosock
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Sergeant William Marty Jackson, II
Winchester Police Department, KY
EOW: April 14, 2024
Police Officer Ross Bartlett
Ceresco Police Department, NE
EOW: April 12, 2024
Chief of Police Steven Allen Singer
Lake Lafayette Police Department, MO
EOW: April 8, 2024
Correctional Sergeant Andrew John Faught
Illinois Department of Corrections, IL
EOW: April 8, 2024
Police Officer Joseph McKinney
Memphis Police Department, TN
EOW: April 12, 2024
Special Agent Derek Sean Baer
United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, US
EOW: April 9, 2024