Deputy Vernon P. Marconnet

Vernon P. Marconnet

Deputy Vernon Marconnet was shot and killed after he stopped to investigate two suspicious vehicles near a canal bank along S. Carver Road around 32nd Avenue.

He found a father and three sons who had been drinking and arguing. Just after Deputy Marconnet called for backup, a 911 call was received stating that an officer was in trouble. When officers arrived they found Deputy Marconnet dead beside his car. All four subjects were arrested and charged with murder.

An investigation revealed when Deputy Marconnet was putting the older man into the patrol car, one of his sons grabbed the deputy's police radio and hit him in the head with it causing a deep gash. Another son grabbed his gun and forced Deputy Marconnet to lie on the ground. Ordered by his father, he shot Deputy Marconnet in the head killing him instantly.

The father and the two sons who attacked and shot Deputy Marconnet were convicted of his murder and sentenced to death. Their sentences were later commuted to life. The third son entered into a plea bargain arrangement and was sentenced to 10 years.

Deputy Marconnet had served with the agency for 19 years. He was survived by his wife, two sons, and two daughters.