Town Marshal Gustav Schwacke was shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call.

   The suspect, who was under the influence of alcohol, had been quarreling with his wife and as the dispute escalated, he attempted to kill her with a knife. As she was fleeing toward a neighbor's house, a passer-by went to summon Marshal Schwacke in town.

   When Marshal Schwacke arrived to question the suspect, he was found sitting in his front yard, armed with a shotgun. As he approached further, the suspect took aim and shot Marshal Schwacke in the head and chest, killing him instantly.

   The 53-year-old suspect, a former state prison guard, went into his residence and then escaped out of the rear door towards a creek. Knowing that a posse was in pursuit, the suspect died by suicide with the same shotgun used to kill Marshal Schwacke.

   Town Marshal Schwacke was survived by his wife, son and daughter.