Joplin Police Department, Missouri
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 10, 1903
Age:
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Assault
Date of Incident: June 7, 1903
Weapon Used: Blunt object; Rock
Suspect Info: Never apprehended
Patrolman John Ledbetter was killed by the leader of a disorderly group that he was attempting to disperse while walking his beat on Smelter Hill.
When Patrolman Ledbetter attempted to arrest members of the group for refusing to leave, the suspect struck Patrolman Ledbetter over the head with a rock. Patrolman Ledbetter died three days later from his injury.
The suspect had never been identified or apprehended, but years later a town resident confessed to the murder while on his deathbed.