Deputy Sheriff David R. Clark

David R. Clark

Deputy Sheriff David Clark was shot and killed as he and another deputy were escorting three prisoners from the court inside the DeWitt Town Hall.

On the evening of February 10, 1987, after the deputies recuffed the inmates and were walking into the foyer, one of the prisoners grabbed the other deputy's gun and opened fire, striking Deputy Clark and shooting the other deputy three times. Deputy Clark was transported to Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital, where he passed away at 1:10 a.m.

The subject, a convicted felon who had been released from prison in December 1986 despite being denied parole in August 1986, was convicted of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. He was sentenced to life plus 60 years in prison. He was also sentenced to 20 years on unrelated robbery and drug charges. He will be eligible for parole in 2060.

Deputy Clark had served with the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office for three years. He was survived by his wife and two sons.