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

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NEVER FORGET! On behalf of the Westerville, Ohio Division of Police, we honor the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Marshal Sherman W. Ricketts of the West Liberty Police Department, Ohio and the additional 68 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Chief Joe Morbitzer
Westerville, Ohio Division of Police

June 29, 2018