Patrolman Edward Bryan Wheeler

Edward Bryan Wheeler

Patrolmen Edward Wheeler and H. D. Murphy were shot and killed on Easter Sunday by the notorious outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde.

The two patrolmen had stopped their motorcycles on Dove Road, a dirt road just of Highway 114 near Grapevine, thinking a motorist needed assistance. As they approached the vehicle, the two outlaws opened fire with a shotgun and handgun, killing both officers. There was speculation that two members of their gang were also involved Henry Methvin and Raymond Hamilton but it was never proven.

Patrolman Wheeler had served with the Texas Department of Public Safety for 4 years. He was survived by his parents and four siblings and is buried in Grove Hill Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.

In 2011 Patrolman Wheeler was honored by the Texas Department of Public Safety on the 77th anniversary of his death.

The Bonnie and Clyde Gang was responsible for the murder of law enforcement officers in four states - Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas - between 1932 and 1934. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow started their criminal career by robbing banks and quickly became notorious murderers wanted for the murders of nine law enforcement officers.

The two criminals were finally shot and killed in Louisiana when they were ambushed by a task force of Texas and Louisiana officers.