Deputy Sheriff Roy Hugo Dirks, Lane County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

Deputy Sheriff Roy Hugo Dirks

Lane County Sheriff's Office, Oregon

End of Watch Friday, April 11, 1975

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Roy Hugo Dirks

Deputy Sheriff Roy Dirks was shot and killed by a copycat killer mimicking the famous serial killer Charles Manson.

Deputy Dirks was investigating a drowning incident when he was killed on a dead-end logging road in the Blue River Reservoir area 30 miles west of Eugene.

The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The leader of the copycat cult was charged with murder in this case but was acquitted. He was found guilty of hindering the prosecution.

Deputy Dirks was a United States Army Korean War veteran and had served 10 years with the Lane County Sheriff's Office. He was survived by his four children, father, brother, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews.

Bio

Age 39
Tour 10 years
Badge 40
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; .30 caliber
Offender Released from prison

investigation

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Most Recent Reflection

View all 23 Reflections

Roy, I was a Lane County S.O. dispatcher from November 1972 until November 1974. Although my time there was short, it is memorable. Great group of guys. And you…your sense of humor is something I still remember.

Lizabeth (Christensen-Joiner) Robison

September 14, 2023