Savannah Police Department, Georgia
End of Watch: Wednesday, June 30, 1976
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 0073
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 30, 1976
Weapon Used: Rifle; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Patrolman James Marchbanks was shot and killed after encountering a man carrying a .22 caliber rifle in a park at West Broad Street and Victory Drive. As Patrolman Marchbanks approached the man to question him the man took cover behind a tree and shot Patrolman Marchbanks twice. Patrolman Marchbanks was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect.
Patrolman Marchbanks was found a short time later and succumbed to his wounds while being transported to the hospital.
The suspect, who was on parole for a murder in Chicago, was apprehended two months later and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Patrolman Marchbanks had been with the agency for five years and was survived by his expectant wife.