Sprague Police Department, Washington
End of Watch: Tuesday, June 25, 1895
Age: 41
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 25, 1895
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Convicted
Deputy Marshal Conlee was shot and killed while taking a prisoner from Sprague to Ritzville on horseback. The prisoner had hidden a small gun in his boot and retrieved it when Deputy Marshal Conlee was not looking. After shooting the marshal, he hid the body in sage brush and it was not found for several days.
The suspect was apprehended in Montana and returned to face charges. He was convicted of the murder and had appeals go all the way to the State Supreme Court.
Deputy Marshal Conlee had served with the agency for at least 5 years. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, and twin sister.