Deputy City Marshal Leon William Romer

Leon William Romer

Deputy City Marshal Leon Romer and Deputy City Marshal Dwight Crittenden were shot and killed while attempting to serve an eviction warrant at a home at 1741 East 23rd Street. The suspect opened fire on the two deputy marshals when he was told he would have to leave the home.

Deputy Marshal Romer was able to stumble outside, where he collapsed in the front yard. The suspect then shot Deputy Marshal Crittenden in the back as he retreated into the street to seek cover. Responding officers engaged the suspect in an hour-long gun battle, wounding him four times.

On June 1, 1938, the man, 54, was convicted of two counts of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison.

Deputy City Marshal Romer would be deputized to back up Deputy City Crittendon during eviction notices. He was survived by his wife.