Special Deputy Sheriff Walter William Leonhardt

Walter William Leonhardt

Special Deputy Walter Leonhardt was shot and killed after observing a stolen car while off duty.

He identified himself as a deputy and began to talk to the driver. A struggle ensued, and Deputy Leonhardt was fatally wounded by the driver.

The 25-year-old driver and a 19-year-old accomplice were arrested and charged with murder. The driver was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. His accomplice was sentenced to five years. The driver's sentence was later commuted to 25 years. He was paroled on December 21, 1940.

He was survived by his wife and four children.