Town Marshal
James Doran
Kentland Town Marshal's Office
Monday, June 20, 1892

Age: 48
Served: 10 years, 5 months
Badge #:
Not Included
Not Included

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Monday, June 20, 1892
02:00 pm
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
West Dunlap Street near Third Street, Kentland
Incident County:
Newton
Incident Township:
Jefferson
Weapon Used:
.38-caliber handgun
Suspect Disposition:
Charges dismissed
Burial Place:
Saint Josephs Cemetery, Kentland

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   Town Marshal James Doran was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a subject for an ordinance violation.

   The 60-year-old man, who was refusing to trim shade trees at his residence, was threatening town board members who sought the assistance of Marshal Doran.

   When he approached the suspect to arrest him, he displayed a revolver and shots were exchanged. After Marshal Doran shot the man in his leg, he was struck and died instantly.

   The man was arrested and charged with murder. In a change of venue to Benton County, he was later found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

   On appeal, the Indiana Supreme Court reversed his conviction ruling Marshal Doran did not have the authority to effect an arrest without a warrant as the misdemeanor was not committed in his presence and ordered a new trial, where the charges were dismissed.

   Town Marshal Doran was survived by his wife, five sons, two daughters, mother and three brothers.


Military Service


United States Army
Civil War (Union)
Private (PVT) ▪ 1862–1865

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.

~ ~ ~

This officer, discovered in 2021, has not been submitted for consideration as an eligible line of duty death to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund by the Kentland Town Marshal's Office.

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Town Marshal Doran
Town Marshal James Doran - Kentland Town Marshal's Office - INLEM.org