Constable W. D. Turner, Lauderdale County Constable's Office, Tennessee

Constable W. D. Turner

Lauderdale County Constable's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Tuesday, January 9, 1900

W. D. Turner

Constable Turner and Deputy Constable Marvin Durham were shot and killed while attempting to transport an inmate from the Durhamville town jail to the county jail.

The inmate had been arrested earlier in the day for refusing to comply with a county health ordinance to be vaccinated. The city judge ordered the inmate to pay a fine. When he refused to pay, the judge ordered that he be moved to the Lauderdale County Jail in Ripley, Tennessee.

Constable Turner deputized Marvin Durham to assist him with moving the prisoner. As they were about one mile away from Durhamville two brothers of the inmate ambushed the constables and shot both of them. Their bodies were found lying in the street by Constable Turner's wife. The inmate was also shot and later lynched by an angry mob, along with another one of his brothers.

Both suspects fled the scene.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Lynched

Most Recent Reflection

View all 4 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 112th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 9, 2012