Deputy Sheriff Dewitt Clinton Cooley, Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma

Deputy Sheriff Dewitt Clinton Cooley

Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, Oklahoma

End of Watch Wednesday, September 15, 1915

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Dewitt Clinton Cooley

Deputy Dewitt Cooley was killed while checking the locks on the cells in the jail. One of the prisoners had managed to pry open his cell door with a crowbar and struck Deputy Cooley from behind. Deputy Cooley lay unconscious for several hours until his wife came to the jail and found him. She was also attacked by the three escaping prisoners and was critically wounded but recovered after several weeks in a hospital.

The prisoner who dealt the death blow was convicted of Deputy Cooley's murder and sentenced to life. On January 17, 1918, he escaped from Granite Penitentiary and was never seen again.

Deputy Cooley had been with the agency for three years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 54
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Assault
Weapon Blunt object; Pipe
Offender At large

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Most Recent Reflection

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Deputy Sheriff Cooley,
On today, the 110th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tulsa County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

September 15, 2025