Patrolman Mercer Leroy Denby

Mercer Leroy Denby

Patrolman Mercer Denby and Chief Joseph Henderson were shot and killed by a drunken soldier Patrolman Denby had arrested. The suspect was able to gain control of Patrolman Denby's weapon and shot him. The suspect then fled into the streets and started to fire the gun randomly.

Chief Henderson was shot when he rushed to the scene to assist Patrolman Denby. Patrolman Denby succumbed to his wounds 6 weeks later.

The suspect was sentenced to death and executed in the electric chair at Reidsville State Prison on May 28, 1943.