City Marshal Lee Franklin Isbell, Richfield Police Department, Utah

City Marshal Lee Franklin Isbell

Richfield Police Department, Utah

End of Watch Friday, August 5, 1921

Lee Franklin Isbell

Marshal Lee Isbell succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained three weeks earlier when he was shot while attempting to arrest a man for being drunk in public.

During Marshal Isbell's rounds, he came across the man who was acting in a disorderly manner. He put the man in a car and told him to wait there for his friends to return. As the marshal continued his rounds, the man exited the car and went into a store. Marshal Isbell observed this and confronted the man to arrest him. The suspect then produced a revolver and shot Marshal Isbell in the hip.

Several citizens who witnessed the shooting subdued the suspect as he attempted to shoot Marshal Isbell a second time. Marshal Isbell was taken to a local hospital and then to his home, where he died.

The suspect was sentenced to five years for the murder.

Marshal Isbell was survived by his wife and ten children.

Bio

Age 47
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Monday, July 18, 1921
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to 5 years

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

Although I heard many stories of his murder as a boy I was amazed that the city of Richfield promptly forgot his service. No mention of it in the police files of fallen officers as it was not reported in later years. There now is a gold marker on his grave and his name is on the memorial wall for fallen offices. RIP Grandpa. You have our respect.

Mike Isbell
Grandson

September 11, 2015