Special Agent John M. True

Special Agent John M. True

Northern Pacific Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Friday, July 11, 1930

Add to My Heroes

John M. True

Special Agent John True was killed when he interrupted three men who were breaking into a railroad storage shed in search of tools to free their car, which had become stuck in the mud near South and 2nd Street. The men then dragged his body underneath a nearby bridge at the foot of Pacific Avenue and fled on foot, leaving the car.

The license plate number on the car led police to a residence where two suspects, 17 and 19, were apprehended. The third suspect was apprehended four days later in San Francisco. Two of them were charged with murder, and the third was charged as an accessory to murder.

The suspects admitted they resisted arrest and said that Agent True fell and hit his head on something hard. The investigating detective introduced evidence that he was hit on the head with something hard that caused his death. Both suspects were convicted of manslaughter. One was sentenced to 2.5 to 5 years and the other to 5 to 10 years. Charges were dismissed against the third suspect. He was tried in a different court on an unrelated case of several robberies in Kitsap County and sentenced to 10 to 30 years.

Agent True was survived by his wife, brother, and sister.

Bio

  • Age 39
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Assault
  • Location Washington
  • Weapon Blunt object
  • Offender Convicted of manslaughter

robbery in progress

Most Recent Reflection

View all 15 Reflections

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never be forgotten. Rest in peace always.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

July 11, 2020

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.