Town Marshal
Gustav Henry Schwacke
North Vernon Police Department
Wednesday, September 23, 1903

Age: 39
Served: 1 year, 6 months
Badge #:
Panel 16W, Line 25
Panel L21, Line 11 (2006)

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Wednesday, September 23, 1903
02:00 pm
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
6th Street near Hoosier Street, North Vernon
Incident County:
Jennings
Incident Township:
Center
Weapon Used:
Shotgun
Suspect Disposition:
Died by suicide
Burial Place:
Hillcrest Cemetery, North Vernon

Share this Memorial
   

   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.

Historical Note

Town marshals were elected to unlimited, two-year terms until 1917 when state law was amended to require they be appointed to office by the trustees of the town board.



View all fallen officers from the
North Vernon Police Department

Donate in memory of
Town Marshal Schwacke
Town Marshal Gustav Henry Schwacke - North Vernon Police Department - INLEM.org