Patrolman
James Curtis Ratliff
Lawrenceburg Police Department
Tuesday, February 7, 1961

Age: 52
Served: 20 years
Badge #:
Panel 64E, Line 9
Panel L21, Line 1

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Tuesday, February 7, 1961
03:25 pm
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
800 block of West Eads Parkway (U.S. 50), Lawrenceburg
Incident County:
Dearborn
Incident Township:
Lawrenceburg
Weapon Used:
.32-caliber handgun
Suspect Disposition:
Died in prison
Burial Place:
Greendale Cemetery, Greendale

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   Patrolman James Ratliff was shot and killed while at the scene of a domestic disturbance at the Wilson Oil Company.

   As Patrolman Ratliff approached an occupied vehicle at the business, a male subject opened fire with a handgun, striking him. Patrolman Ratliff was pronounced dead on arrival at Dearborn County Hospital.

   The 32-year-old suspect was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison where he died while incarcerated in 1979.

   Patrolman Ratliff was survived by his wife, daughter, three sons, parents and four brothers.

Military Service


United States Marine Corps
Private (PVT) ▪ 1929–1935



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