Sergeant
Orrel Leslie Manuel Jr.
Vincennes Police Department
Wednesday, January 18, 1961

Age: 27
Served: 5 years
Badge #:
Panel 26E, Line 13
Panel L14, Line 7

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Wednesday, January 18, 1961
03:15 am
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
501 Busseron Street, Vincennes
Incident County:
Knox
Incident Township:
Vincennes
Weapon Used:
.38-caliber handgun
Suspect Disposition:
Acquitted
Burial Place:
Memorial Park Cemetery, Vincennes

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   Sergeant Orrel Manuel was shot and killed at the Vincennes police station while investigating a hit-and-run accident.

   The accident, which occurred at 116 West Sycamore Street, led Sergeant Manuel and another officer to a group of drunken men in an alley between First and Second streets. Two of those men were a fellow Vincennes police officer and his brother. Although it was determined the officer was the driver, he attempted to implicate his brother.

   The intoxicated, 27-year-old, off-duty officer later entered the station when he pulled his gun and began firing. A single shot struck Sergeant Manuel but the bullet passed through his body and critically wounded another officer.

   Sergeant Manuel was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where he died.

   The suspect was charged with murder and, after a change of venue to Daviess County, was acquitted. He was subsequently charged with leaving the scene of an accident and pleaded guilty, being fined $50 and court costs.

   Sergeant Manuel was survived by his wife and parents.

Military Service


United States Navy
Korean War
Machinist's Mate Petty Officer Second Class (MM2)
1952–1955

Historical Note

• This line of duty death incident is one of four in which the offender was a law enforcement officer.



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Sergeant Orrel Leslie Manuel Jr.- Vincennes Police Department - INLEM.org