Sheriff William Levi Black, Emery County Sheriff's Office, Utah

Sheriff William Levi Black

Emery County Sheriff's Office, Utah

End of Watch Saturday, August 22, 1936

William Levi Black

Sheriff Black was shot and killed as he tried to a settle a dispute between two farmers. When Sheriff Black arrived at the scene with the complainant the suspect, who had setup an ambush position in a nearby field, opened fire. Sheriff Black was shot in the head as he attempted to take cover in his car. The suspect then shot the farmer who had made the complaint.

The suspect was convicted of second degree murder.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Rifle
Offender Convicted of murder

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Most Recent Reflection

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Referring to the post of March 11, 2008, and therefore, one of the parents of the author of that post is my cousin. I am the son of the older brother who testified at the murder trial. My father has mentioned this incident, but he has not dwelled on it verbally, and only mentioned it to his family on very few occasions, as far as I know. I am sure that it was a very tramatic event for him and his younger brothers. He also had mentioned that his Dad, my grandfather, who was with his sons, approached the murderer immediately afterward and said, "I think you'd better give me the gun." To which he replied something like this, "I guess so. I've done enough damage." It is the courage of my grandfather that I like to remember. I also feel badly for the family of the murderer--a family that must have suffered in countless ways. Forgiveness is a great aid in healing all, including descendents of all affected.

Mark Larson

September 16, 2013