Trooper David C. Yarrington

Trooper David C. Yarrington

Delaware State Police, Delaware

End of Watch Thursday, January 6, 1972

Add to My Heroes

David C. Yarrington

Trooper Yarrington and Trooper Ronald Carey were shot and killed in Pennsylvania by the female accomplice of a suspect they were struggling with. The troopers were investigating an armed robbery at a motel on U.S. Route 202 near the Pennsylvania state line when they noticed the suspect's vehicle at a nearby hotel just over the state line. When they began to investigate the vehicle they became engaged in a struggle with the 30-year-old male suspect. During the struggle, his 19-year-old girlfriend shot both troopers.

The next day a Maryland state trooper spotted the suspects who refused to stop. During the high-speed chase near Centreville, the trooper fired a shot through the back window, the bullet lodging in the man's head killing him. After his car crashed the trooper took custody of his girlfriend. She told officials the troopers were beating her boyfriend to death. She said she pulled a revolver from her dress that accidentally discharged, SIX times.

Law enforcement regarded the couple, who lived in Canada, as a modern-day "Bonnie and Clyde". They had committed several armed robberies all over Michigan and Ohio. The man had served a sentence in the Ohio Penitentiary for armed robbery.

The female was convicted of two counts of armed robbery and was sentenced to death. Her sentence was later commuted by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to life in prison. As of 2017, she was in prison.

Trooper Yarrington had served with the Delaware State Police for just under 3 years. He and Trooper Caray became troopers at the same time. He was survived by his wife and child.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge 170

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Location Pennsylvania
  • Incident Date Wednesday, January 5, 1972
  • Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
  • Offender Sentenced to life

investigation

Most Recent Reflection

View all 41 Reflections

Trooper Yarrington,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you to you and your Partner for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Delaware. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

January 6, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.