Kentwood Police Department, Louisiana
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 14, 1902
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 14, 1902
Weapon Used: Rifle; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Town Marshal William Lea was shot and killed in an act of revenge while patrolling the town at approximately 7:00 pm.
Several weeks prior a man had been fined $50 after being arrested by Marshal Lea for selling whiskey. The man held a grudge against Marshal Lea and earlier in the day he and several friends got drunk and threatened him.
Marshal Lea continued patrolling the town and was walking front of the man's store when he was shot through the head with a .38 caliber rifle. The man was charged with Marshal Lea's murder but was acquitted.
Marshal Lea was survived by his wife and 12 children.