Sergeant Orville E. Quinnette

Orville E. Quinnette

Sergeant Orville Quinnette was shot and killed by two holdup men during a shootout on North Park Avenue. Both had escaped from a prison work farm the previous day.

Both suspects, 26 and 28, were later arrested and sentenced to life in prison. In 1951 the Indiana Supreme Court granted both a new trial. They were again found guilty of murder and sent back to prison for life. In 1961 they were released after a judge ruled they had been misrepresented at trial. On February 16, 1962, they both were involved in a gun battle with police in Lafayette after robbing a store. Rather than being taken alive, one shot and killed himself. The other suspect surrendered, was convicted of armed robbery, and sent back to prison for 12 years.

Sergeant Quinnette had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife, mother, sister and two brothers.