Trooper Howard M. Crumley

Trooper Howard M. Crumley

Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma

End of Watch Sunday, June 28, 1970

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Howard M. Crumley

Trooper Howard Crumley was shot and killed with his own service revolver while making a traffic stop of a speeding car.

Unbeknownst to Trooper Crumley, the two brothers who were in the car had just murdered another man before being pulled over. As Trooper Crumley searched one of the suspects on the hood of his patrol car the second suspect confronted him with a weapon and disarmed him of his service revolver. One of the suspects then shot him and the two fled.

The suspects abducted a couple a short time later and began to drive around the area. After releasing the male hostage they forced the female hostage to continue driving. At some point one of the brothers committed suicide and the other brother forced the woman to drive him to a hospital.

After leaving the hospital the pair were followed by a security guard. When the suspect went into the home of another brother the security guard contacted the female and then contacted police, who arrested the man at the location. The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was denied parole in December 2014 and again in December 2017.

Trooper Crumley had served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for five years. He was survived by his wife and three sons.

Bio

  • Age 34
  • Tour 5 years
  • Badge 250

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Committed suicide

traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

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I was 10 years old and lived next door to the first victim of the Wilkinson brothers before they took the life of Trooper Crumley. I am now a true crime author who would like to write the story. If anyone knows Trooper Crumley's family or friends, please contact me at (816) 674-8350.

JD Morrison
True crime author

April 11, 2023

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