Deputy Sheriff Oscar Leonard Nance

Oscar Leonard Nance

Deputy Sheriff O. Leonard Nance was shot and killed at a home in Montlake while attempting to locate a suspect involved in a recent burglary.

The suspect's mother learned that the boy was hiding at the home of a friend and notified Deputy Nance. The home was owned by a man who held a grudge against Deputy Nance. When Deputy Nance arrived at the home the man shot him with a shotgun without provocation. Despite the wound, Deputy Nance returned fire but did not strike the subject.

The man was arrested and charged with murder. He was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The Supreme Court reversed the conviction and he was not retried.

Deputy Nance had served with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for four years and had previously served as the marshal of Rockwall. He was survived by his wife and several children.