Lawrenceburg Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Tuesday, February 7, 1961
Age: 52
Tour of Duty: 20 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 7, 1961
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Convicted of murder and committed suicid
Patrolman James Ratliff was shot and killed while at the scene of a domestic disturbance at the Wilson Oil Company.
As Patrolman Ratliff approached an occupied vehicle at the business, a male subject opened fire with a handgun, striking him. Patrolman Ratliff was pronounced dead on arrival at Dearborn County Hospital.
The suspect was charged and convicted of murder. He received a life sentence but committed suicide in 1979.
Patrolman Ratliff was a United States Marine Corps veteran who had served with the Lawrenceburg Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter.