Sheriff William Levi Black

William Levi Black

Sheriff Black was shot and killed as he tried to a settle a dispute between two farmers, also brother-in-laws, over water rights. When Sheriff Black arrived at the farm of one near Ferron with the complainant, the suspect met both and warned them to not get out of their car. As they opened the car doors he opened fire with a shotgun killing both instantly. He then went to the Emery County Sheriff's Office and was jailed after he told the sheriff what he had done.

The suspect, 39, was convicted of two counts of second degree murder and sentenced to life. On January 17, 1942, his sentence was commuted to 20 years. He was paroled on June 1, 1943.