Deputy Sheriff David Dawson Hefner

David Dawson Hefner

Deputy Sheriff David Hefner succumbed to a gunshot wound he received while investigating a domestic violence call at 387 Park Avenue in Eugene on February 22, 1957.

One year earlier, Deputy Hefner had responded to a complaint at the same address and had taken a weapon from the same suspect who had at that time threatened to kill Deputy Hefner.

When Deputy Hefner arrived, he was shot as he approached the house at 5:00 p.m. He was struck in the neck with a 32-20 Winchester rifle and was paralyzed. Responding officers rushed to the scene and were engaged in a gun battle for over two hours. When they entered the house, Trooper Charles Sanders was struck and killed instantly. The suspect fled out the front door and shot himself, hoping to commit suicide.

Deputy Hefner died of his wound over four months later.

The suspect was sentenced to life for the murder of Trooper Charles Sanders and 25 years for the assault on Deputy Hefner. However, he was paroled after nine years.

Deputy Hefner was a United States Air Force veteran. He was survived by his wife and five children.