Fayette County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee
End of Watch: Friday, July 22, 1949
Age: 62
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 22, 1949
Weapon Used: Handgun; Pistol
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Deputy Roper was shot and killed as he and another deputy were conducting a check of a local picnic grounds. Both deputies were fired upon by a man who was hiding behind a nearby car. Deputy Roper was shot and fatally wounded.
A man, 35, was arrested and sentenced to life. He said he was innocent so his motive is unknown. Ballistics markings from the bullet that killed Deputy Roper matched bullets removed from a pistol found in the suspect's home.
Deputy Roper was survived by his wife and three children.