Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Tuesday, November 6, 1973
Add to My HeroesRaymond Leroy Wheeler
Officer Raymond Wheeler was shot and killed while he and his partner searched three juvenile suspects in the parking lot of the juvenile detention center.
During the search, one of the juveniles produced a .22 caliber handgun and opened fire. Officer Wheeler jumped in front of his partner and was struck in the head. Officer Wheeler was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wound early the next morning.
The suspect attempted to flee but was captured. The 17-year-old suspect and his 17-year-old accomplice were convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison on November 29, 1974. The accomplice was paroled in 1984. On February 18, 1985, he robbed a man at gunpoint and then raped his wife. He was convicted of armed robbery and sentenced to 30 years. The rape victim refused to go to court because she did not want others to know who she was.
Officer Wheeler was a U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran and served with the Metro Nashville Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 22
- Tour 1 year
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Monday, November 5, 1973
- Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to 20 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 17 ReflectionsOfficer Wheeler,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
November 6, 2023
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