Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch: Thursday, July 3, 1980
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 410
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 3, 1980
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life- Paroled in 2021
Officer Desmond Sherry was shot and killed when he stopped to prevent a robbery while off duty at 66th Street and Euclid Avenue at 2:20 am.
He was driving home when he noticed suspicious activity. He stopped his vehicle to speak with the youths. He was shot in the face three times before he exited the car. Then the suspects stole his wallet and left him to die.
Twelve members of a gang, all in their late teens and early 20s, were arrested. Seven were released. The other five were charged with Officer Sherry's murder. Three were acquitted. The other two, both 17, were convicted, one for murder and the other for voluntary manslaughter.
The suspect convicted of murder was sentenced to 27 years to life in prison. He was granted parole in 2021. The other suspect was sentenced to 7 to 25 years.
Officer Sherry had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for seven years. He was survived by his wife and two children.