West Liberty Police Department, Ohio
End of Watch Friday, June 29, 1962
Add to My HeroesSherman Monroe Ricketts
Marshal Sherman Ricketts was shot and killed in front of the Presbyterian Church after responding to a call to check on a man walking on Reynolds Street at 2:45 a.m.
The suspect opened fire as soon as he approached him. Before dying, the marshal returned fire, hitting the suspect three times.
The suspect, a 25-year-old Michigan parole violator, had broken into nearby residences. He was convicted of Marshal Ricketts' murder and sentenced to life in prison on November 8, 1962. He was denied parole in April 2019. As of 2020, he remained in the Ohio Penitentiary as Ohio's longest-serving inmate. He died in prison in 2021.
Marshall Rickets had served with the West Liberty Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.
Bio
- Age 63
- Tour 5 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
- Offender Died in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 19 ReflectionsNEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Marshal Sherman Monroe Ricketts of the West Liberty Police Department, Ohio and the additional 60 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.
Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation
June 29, 2024
Recent LODD Deaths

Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025

Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025

Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025

Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, Jr.
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: March 17, 2025

Sergeant Joseph Anthony Azcona
Newark Police Division, NJ
EOW: March 8, 2025

Police Officer Felicia Dee Reilly
Saint Paul Police Department, MN
EOW: March 1, 2025

Deputy Sergeant Martin Shields, Jr.
Hinds County Sheriff's Office, MS
EOW: February 23, 2025