Barton County Sheriff's Office, Missouri
End of Watch Thursday, August 17, 1944
Add to My HeroesRoy E. Patterson
Sheriff Roy Patterson and his 18-year-old son were shot and killed by three robbery suspects on US 160 west of Lamar.
The sheriff had been called at home at 4:00 am and notified that a gas station had just been robbed. The sheriff and his son immediately got dressed and responded to the area. The two parked their vehicle along the roadway and waited for the suspect vehicle to pass.
When they saw the vehicle, they immediately overtook it and waved it over. After speaking with the three occupants, the sheriff took one of the men's wallets and told them to turn around and drive back towards town as he followed. The suspect vehicle drove a short distance before pulling over. Two of the occupants approached the sheriff's car, pulled out their .32 caliber pistols, and told the sheriff to give them his gun.
The sheriff immediately drew his weapon and fired a shot. The two men then returned fire, fatally shooting the sheriff. One of the suspects then shot the sheriff's son in the head, killing him.
All three suspects fled the scene and remained at large for almost one year. They were eventually apprehended, confessed to the murders, and sentenced to life in prison. Two of the men escaped prison in 1948 but were apprehended.
Sheriff Patterson was a United States Army WWI veteran and had served as Sheriff of the Barton County Sheriff's Office for four years. He was survived by his wife and seven children, including his son, who was murdered along with him.
Bio
- Age 48
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsSheriff Patterson,
On today, the 80th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army as a member of the 35th “Santa Fe” Division in Europe fighting the Germans during World War I. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
August 17, 2024
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