Patrolman Lawrence Robbins

Lawrence Robbins

Patrolman Lawrence Robbins was shot and killed by two men attempting to rob him and his fiancee.

The suspects approached Patrolman Robbins and his fiancee, Ms. Brown, while they were still in his car. When the suspects demanded Ms. Brown's purse Patrolman Robbins lunged out of the vehicle unarmed, pushed Ms. Brown to safety and fought with the suspects. During the scuffle Patroman Robbins we shot twice and the robbers escaped with Ms. Brown's purse and Patrolman Robbins' car. After searching for help for 20 minutes Ms. Brown was able to wave down Dr. Kitzmiller but Patrolman Robbins had succombed to his wounds. He was pronounced dead at the hospital and his body was transported to Tennessee to be buried near his family.

The suspects, ages 17 and 18, were apprehended in Charleston, West Virginia, the next day. They were both charged with and convicted of first degree murder. The youngest was sentenced to life in prison but his sentence was commuted to 2nd degree murder thirty years later. The oldest was incarcerated but was later remanded to a mental institution.

Patrolman Robbins had been with the agency for ten years. He is buried in Slick Rock Cemetery, Scott County, Tennessee.