Deputy Sheriff Bill Jean Lea

Bill Jean Lea

Deputy Sheriff Bill Lea was shot and killed while serving divorce papers after a woman called to report her estranged husband was at the house.

Deputy Lea and the Polk County sheriff responded to serve the husband with the papers. When they arrived, they noticed the husband's car was not in the area. Deputy Lea walked up on the porch with the sheriff to his right with his back to the wall. The wife opened the door and a male voice said, "I'm going to kill you!" The husband drew a gun from behind his wife and fired, hitting Deputy Lea in the chest.

The sheriff was able to grab the gun and pull the suspect from the house. After a long struggle, the sheriff was able to subdue and handcuff the suspect. Deputy Lea died at the scene from his wounds. The suspect was tried and convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Deputy Bill Lea was survived by his wife and five children.