Type of Officer: Police Officer
Jurisdiction: Leavenworth
County: Leavenworth
Death Date: 7/13/1919
Added to Memorial: 1987
Circumstances of Death: Beating
Five men who were “joyriding” collided their car with another vehicle and then continued riding through the streets of Leavenworth. After many complaints were received, the Leavenworth Police Department began searching for the suspects. Upon locating them, Officer Starnes attempted to arrest the men but was knocked from the running board of their car by a blow to the head. It was thought that a crankshaft was used to deliver the blow. Two of the men were captured shortly after the incident and the other three surrendered a week later. Starnes’ injury was at first thought to be minor, but he deteriorated slowly and died nearly a week later.

Panel: 12