Deputy U.S. Marshal Herbert Ray

Herbert Ray

Deputy U.S. Marshal Herbert Ray was shot and killed in Lexington, Kentucky, while investigating rum-runners after he stopped them in their car near the intersection Fifth Street and Campbell Street.

When he approached four men and a woman inside the vehicle, one man opened fire striking him in the abdomen. Despite the wound, he was able to return fire as the suspects sped away and then walked to a nearby store where he called for help. He succumbed to his wounds the following evening. Four suspects were later arrested. The gunman could not be found. Marshal Ray's return fire had hit one suspect, 20, in the arm, which had to be amputated. All four were charged with accessory to murder.

On June 26, 1935, one was convicted of accessory to murder and sentenced to five years. Another man and the woman were acquitted. The suspect who lost his arm was later convicted of possession of illegal liquor and sentenced to one year.

On July 13, 1935, the gunman, 23, was apprehended by federal officers in Michigan City, Indiana. The following February he was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled in December of 1944.

Deputy Marshal Ray had served with the United States Marshals Service for only one year. He was survived by his wife and five children.