Sheriff Cecil M. Crawford, Page County Sheriff's Department, Iowa

Sheriff Cecil M. Crawford

Page County Sheriff's Department, Iowa

End of Watch Saturday, April 10, 1943

Cecil M. Crawford

Sheriff Crawford was shot and killed as he and two other officers attempted to take custody of a man for a sanity hearing in his father's home. The man led the sheriff and a deputy upstairs where he opened fire on them, killing Sheriff Crawford instantly. He then jumped from a window and ran into a wooded area where he was captured a short time later.

The suspect was declared insane and committed to a mental institution. In July of 1949 he was found to be sane and charged with Sheriff Crawford's murder. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison on November 7, 1949. He died October 7, 1956.

Bio

Age 50
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
Offender Sentenced to 20 years

Most Recent Reflection

View all 6 Reflections

Rest in peace, Uncle Cecil. I was only 9 when you were killed, but I remember you well. We know that when you went up those stairs that day, you were not afraid. You had transported that man back and forth during many summers to local farms to work, and he trusted you. But that day when you were called to calm him, he was afraid and turned his gun on you. Bless you for your sacrifice in the line of duty.

Richard Baker
Nephew of Cecil and Edna (Baker) Crawford

February 24, 2016