Louisville Police Department, Kentucky
End of Watch Tuesday, December 30, 1969
Donald W. Gaskin
Patrolman Donald Gaskin and Detective James Ratliff were shot and killed when they responded to a robbery call at a local grocery store at 2328 Osage Avenue.
Two suspects were inside the store when Patrolman Gaskin arrived at the scene. The suspect ordered the store clerk to open the door, and as Patrolman Gaskin entered, he was shot by the suspect.
Detective Ratliff and his partner arrived just as Patrolman Gaskin was shot. As the detectives ran for cover, another shot was fired and struck Detective Ratliff.
During an ensuing shootout two other officers and the two suspects were wounded. Patrolman Gaskin succumbed to his wounds before reaching the hospital. Detective Ratliff succumbed to his injuries approximately five hours later during surgery.
Both suspects were convicted of both murders and sentenced to death. Their sentenced were later commuted to life.
Patrolman Gaskin was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the Louisville Police Department for six years.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsOfficer Gaskin I thank you for protecting your community. You are loved by so many. I feel your loss when I speak with your fiance who still holds a very special place in her heart for you. Thank you seems like an empty statement in comparison to what you gave in doing you duty. God Bless you.
Theresa
December 31, 2014
Recent LODD Deaths

Police Officer Rogelio Santander
Dallas Police Department, TX
EOW: April 25, 2018

Corporal Eugene Cole
Somerset County Sheriff's Office, ME
EOW: April 25, 2018

Detective Sergeant Brian Scott Cuscino
New Castle Police Department, PA
EOW: April 19, 2018

Police Officer Tamby Yagan
Paterson Police Department, NJ
EOW: April 22, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Casey L. Shoemate
Miller County Sheriff's Office, MO
EOW: April 20, 2018

Sergeant Noel Ramirez
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 19, 2018

Deputy Sheriff Taylor Lindsey
Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 19, 2018

Sergeant Sean McNamee Gannon
Yarmouth Police Department, MA
EOW: April 12, 2018

Patrolman Kevin F. Crossley
Whitesboro Police Department, NY
EOW: April 11, 2018