Marshal Sherman Monroe Ricketts, West Liberty Police Department, Ohio

Marshal Sherman Monroe Ricketts

West Liberty Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Friday, June 29, 1962

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Sherman Monroe Ricketts

Marshal Sherman Ricketts was shot and killed in front of the Presbyterian Church after responding to a call to check on a man walking on Reynolds Street at 2:45 a.m.

The suspect opened fire as soon as he approached him. Before dying, the marshal returned fire, hitting the suspect three times.

The suspect, a 25-year-old Michigan parole violator, had broken into nearby residences. He was convicted of Marshal Ricketts' murder and sentenced to life in prison on November 8, 1962. He was denied parole in April 2019. As of 2020, he remained in the Ohio Penitentiary as Ohio's longest-serving inmate. He died in prison in 2021.

Marshall Rickets had served with the West Liberty Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 63
Tour 5 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
Offender Died in prison

parolee, suspicious person, suspicious vehicle

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service and ultimate sacrifice of Marshal Sherman Monroe Ricketts of the West Liberty Police Department, Ohio and the additional 76 American Peace Officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Attorneys General, Bureau of Criminal Investigation

June 29, 2025