Deputy Sheriff Walter Leslie Francis, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

Deputy Sheriff Walter Leslie Francis

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Ohio

End of Watch Monday, May 20, 1935

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Walter Leslie Francis

Deputy Sheriff Walter Francis was accidentally shot and killed while searching for armed robbery suspects at 81 Independence Avenue (modern-day Matthews Drive) in Lincoln Heights.

When Deputy Francis and other officers were searching for an armed suspect he went to remove his shotgun from the trunk of the patrol car when it discharged. The blast struck him in the abdomen, killing him instantly.

Deputy Francis had served with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for three months and previously served with the Cincinnati Police Department for seven years. He was survived by his brother and sister.

Bio

Age 48
Tour 7 years, 3 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire (Inadvertent)

accidental discharge

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NEVER FORGET! Please help me honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Deputy Sheriff Walter Leslie Francis of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Ohio and the additional 64 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorney General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

May 20, 2024