Marshal Sherman W. Ricketts, West Liberty Police Department, Ohio

Marshal Sherman W. Ricketts

West Liberty Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Friday, June 29, 1962

Sherman W. Ricketts

Marshal Ricketts was shot and killed in front of the Presbyterian Church after responding to a call to check 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 a nearby residence. He was convicted of Marshal Ricketts' murder and sentenced to life in prison on November 8, 1962. As of 2015, he remains in the Ohio Penitentiary and is Ohio's longest serving inmate. His next parole hearing is in April, 2019.

Bio

Age 60
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
Offender Sentenced to life

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

I was 11 years old the day this incredible man was shot and killed less than half a block from where we lived. As a youth in West Liberty, I had many encounters with Marshal Ricketts. All of them positive. Home life at that time was not good. I would slip out of the house late at night to find some peace. It seemed that each time Marshal Ricketts was there. He put me in the front of his cruiser and ride me around town. He always had a bag of cinnamon ball candy on the seat. He even took me to his home one time for fresh made cake. He encouraged me and kept me on a
good path for life. I love you Sherman Ricketts.

Terry W. Bays Maj/USAF/Ret
Friend

June 29, 2017