Barnesville Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Sunday, September 20, 1908
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 20, 1908
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 15 years
Deputy Marshal Ben Porch was shot and killed by a suspect who he had arrested earlier in the day.
The man had been released from jail, obtained a shotgun, and then setup an ambush for the marshal. As Marshal Porch made his rounds on Market Street at 3:00 am the suspect opened fire, striking Marshal Porch in the leg and hip. Several residents, including the city's mayor, heard the shots and Marshal Porch's groans. The mayor found him on the street and transported him to his home where he died three days later.
Before dying, Marshal Porch was able to identify the suspect, who was several days later. The 18-year-old suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years in prison November 27th, 1908. He was paroled in 1916.
Marshal Porch had served with the Barnesville Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife.