Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Arizona
End of Watch Wednesday, January 29, 1930
Add to My HeroesRobert Lee Wright
Deputy Sheriff Lee Wright succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two weeks earlier in Chandler, Arizona, while attempting to arrest a group of criminals who were on a cross-country crime spree.
Two of the subjects, a man and a woman, had murdered Corporal Brady Paul of the Pennsylvania State Highway Patrol on December 27th, 1929. They had picked up a third subject who had recently been released from prison in Texas. The trio then abducted a Pinal County, Arizona, sheriff's deputy.
Deputy Wright and another deputy rammed the vehicle into a curb in front of the San Marcos Hotel, stopping it. Deputy Wright was then struck by a gunshot during a shootout with the subjects. The subjects then threw the abducted deputy from the car and escaped.
They were apprehended several days later by a posse of several hundred officers and citizens. The couple was extradited to Pennsylvania, where they were convicted of Corporal Paul's murder, sentenced to death, and subsequently executed on February 23rd, 1931. The third subject was convicted of Deputy Wright's murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Deputy Wright had served in law enforcement for 32 years. He was survived by his wife and brother. His brother served as the county sheriff at the time of the murder.
Bio
- Age 55
- Tour 32 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Monday, January 13, 1930
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Executed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsDeputy Wright, over 94 years ago your life was viciously taken in response to your courage, bravery, and heroism. Your actions undoubtedly save the life of a Pinal County Deputy Sheriff and helped set the course for the apprehension of a set of murderers, who also took the life of a Pennsylvania Highway Patrolman. Your sacrifice is not forgotten. Yesterday, October 28, 2024, you received the Honors for which you are so deserving. Several Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office personnel, representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police, and other agencies attended. Your gravesite is longer unmarked thanks to the Fallen Hero Wreath Program. Rest easy sir.
Sgt. Brandon Hall S1907
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
October 29, 2024
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