Police Officer Roy L. Leon, Jr.

Police Officer Roy L. Leon, Jr. | Cotton Plant Police Department, Arkansas
Cotton Plant Police Department, Arkansas
Police Officer Roy L. Leon, Jr.

Cotton Plant Police Department, Arkansas

End of Watch Friday, July 13, 1984

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Roy L. Leon, Jr.

Officer Roy Leon and Chief of Police Leonard Cross were shot and killed after stopping a 16-year-old juvenile on a stolen motorcycle.

During the ensuing struggle, the suspect gained control of Chief Cross' weapon and shot both officers. The juvenile offender was captured six hours later.

The juvenile had a long criminal record, mostly involving stolen motorcycles. Since 1978, he has served three terms in juvenile facilities. On February 14, 1985, he was convicted of two counts of capital murder and sentenced to life without parole. As of December 13, 2022, he was in prison. He has committed 28 major disciplinary violations.

The killing of Police Officer Roy Leon and Chief of Police Leonard Cross left the town without any full-time law enforcement officers.

Bio

  • Age 24
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

juvenile offender, stolen vehicle, traffic stop

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Most Recent Reflection

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I went to school with Roy in Brinkley. I oftentimes think of him and remember his strong but gentle voice and his big bright smile showing those pearly whites. My sincerest to his loved ones. He is still remembered. Thank him and his family for his life's work. He was taken so young but I still oftentimes think of him. Class of 1980 Brinkley High School. "TIGER PRIDE"

Charlann McFarlin (Whitby)
Former Classmate

May 28, 2025

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