Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch: Thursday, January 20, 1921
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 18, 1921
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Paroled in 1923
Special Officer Frank Cornelius was shot and killed in Oklahoma City by two men who attempted to rob him at gunpoint. He drew his weapon and a shootout ensued in which he was fatally wounded. Officer Cornelius was taken to University Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds two days later.
Two boys, 18 and 19, were apprehended in Sulpher two months later and charged with murder. On March 30, 1921, they were convicted of Officer Cornelius' murder and sentenced to life. Both were paroled on May 4, 1923.
Officer Cornelius had served in WWI and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Croix de Guerre. He had previously served as a policeman in Norman, Oklahoma, and is buried in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Officer Cornelius was survived by two brothers and one sister.