Deputy Sheriff Ernest Prouty died from an internal infection resulting from a gunshot wound to the stomach and liver suffered seven weeks earlier.

   He and another deputy were investigating the illegal sale of gasoline and a subsequent stabbing at a gambling house in Newland. As they escorted two subjects from the home, occupants began shooting at the deputies who returned fire.

   One of the arrested men, an 18-year-old, grabbed Deputy Prouty's gun and shot him. He was taken to Jasper County Hospital where he died seven weeks later.

   The shooter and his 21-year-old accomplice, who were injured by gunfire, released themselves from their handcuffs and forced a motorist to drive them away.

   They were captured four days later near Hamden, Ohio, then extradited and charged with first-degree murder.

   Deputy Sheriff Prouty, from Rensselaer, was the county's first deputy and only had four months to work to be eligible for retirement. He was survived by his wife, two sons, three daughters, parents and sister.