West Virginia Department of Prohibition, West Virginia
End of Watch: Monday, June 27, 1932
Age: 52
Tour of Duty: 10 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 27, 1932
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Charged with murde
Prohibition Officer Ell Watkins was shot and killed while inspecting alcohol permits at a pharmacy in Bradshaw, West Virginia.
Officer Watkins was shot in the back five times during the inspection. His 9-year-old niece was accompanying him during the inspection and witnessed his murder.
The pharmacy's owner, an employee, and the owner's brother were arrested and charged with his murder. In July 1932 the charges were nolle prossed after the presiding judge declined to continue the case at the prosecution's request.
Officer Watkins had served with the West Virginia Department of Prohibition for approximately 10 years and was one only two state prohibition officers remaining on the payroll at the time of his murder. The agency was abolished due to lack of funding later in the year. He was survived by his wife, brother, and sister.