Grant County Sheriff's Department, South Dakota
End of Watch Wednesday, July 30, 1941
Add to My HeroesMelbourne Lewis
Sheriff Lewis was shot and killed while responding to reports that a man was walking on North Main Street in Milbank with a .22 caliber rifle. The suspect hid in a shed and opened fire on the sheriff as he searched for him. A service station attendant and a 12-year-old boy were also shot and wounded.
The 31-year-old suspect, an ex-convict, had been out of prison less than 24 hours after serving eight years for burglary. He was convicted of Sheriff Lewis' murder and sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted to life on December 7, 1943. In 1982 he was the second oldest inmate in the South Dakota Penitentiary.
Sheriff Lewis was survived by four young children, and his wife who was named deputy sheriff by her husband's successor.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 4 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; .22 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsThank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.
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