Lieutenant Ray R. "Joe" Clark

Lieutenant Ray R. "Joe" Clark

Washington County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

End of Watch Saturday, February 7, 1981

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Ray R. "Joe" Clark

Lieutenant Ray Clark was shot and killed from ambush while standing in the kitchen of his home in the 400 block of Dodd's Run Road in Marietta. He was struck by a shotgun blast that was fired through his kitchen window.

The case remained unsolved until September 16th, 2014, when a former Washington County sheriff's deputy was arrested and charged with Lieutenant Clark's murder. The subject had been fired by Lieutenant Clark in December 1979 for using excessive force while on duty.

On October 20th, 2015, a jury was unable to render a verdict and was declared deadlocked. The subject was retried and found guilty of murder on March 11th, 2016. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison with the eligibility for parole after 15 years. He died in prison on March 18th, 2017. On August 9th, 2017, the offender's conviction was upheld posthumously during the appeal process.

Lieutenant Clark had served with the Washington County Sheriff's Office for 14 years. He was survived by his wife, son, stepdaughter, sister, brother, and parents.

Bio

  • Age 49
  • Tour 14 years
  • Badge 270

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Died in prison

ambush, at home, retaliation, revenge

Most Recent Reflection

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Lt Clark

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. I just saw your story on a TV show today and wanted to say I appreciate your service in your community. To your family I send you all my thoughts and prayers even though I don't know Lt Clark.
May you all know he is always with you all.

Tonya LaFarr
Private Citizen, Law Enforcement Supporter

June 11, 2023

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