Deputy Sheriff William Maroon

William Maroon

Deputy William Maroon was shot and killed during an escape from the Nye County Jail.

He was preparing to serve a meal to a prisoner when a second prisoner walked passed him and told him he was leaving. When Deputy Maroon attempted to stop him, the suspect began to struggle. Deputy Maroon attempted to discharge his tear gas gun but only irritated the man, who then continued to beat Deputy Maroon. The prisoner stole Deputy Maroon's gun and fled.

Deputy Maroon was able to chase the prisoner outside where he found the man attempting to steal a police car. As he approached the prisoner, the man shot him once in the abdomen, killing him instantly. The prisoner was able to start the car and fled, but was apprehended a short time later after a police chase and shootout.

The suspect, age 27, was convicted of Deputy Maroon's murder and sentenced to 10 years to life October 14, 1952. He died in prison April 8, 1954. Prison officials said he died in his sleep and had been ill for quite sometime.