Deputy City Marshal Samuel Blundell

Samuel Blundell

Deputy City Marshal Samuel Blundell was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance on Franklyn Avenue near Santa Fe Avenue.

He had encountered a drunk man walking in city's Italian area and advised him to walk around for 30 minutes to sober up. A short time later the man was robbed and other members of the community gave an alarm. As Deputy Marshal Blundell responded to the scene a homeowner came out of his home with a double-barreled shotgun and confronted the victim of the robbery.

As Deputy Marshal Blundell approached he displayed his badge and identified himself, but the homeowner opened fire, killing him.

The man was arrested at his home after a brief barricade. He was subsequently charged with murder but acquitted of all charges in court.

Deputy Marshal Blundell had served with the Vernon Police Department several years. He was survived by his wife and one child.

The street where Deputy Marshal Blundell was murdered, Franklyn Avenue, no longer exists.