Special Policeman Samuel Barker was shot and killed during a private dance being held at Maennerchor Halle.

   While providing security at the entrance, he refused admittance to two subjects who appeared to be intoxicated. As the men left and walked down a stairway, one subject verbally threatened Special Policeman Barker who confronted them.

   After one suspect missed as he threw a stone, the other suspect was able to strike Special Policeman Barker in the head with a rock. He was taken to City Hospital where he never regained consciousness and died of a crushed skull a couple hours later.

   The 21-year-old male who killed Special Policeman Barker was charged with first-degree murder. In a change of venue to Hancock County, his first trial ended in a hung jury. He was later found guilty of manslaughter by a jury and sentenced to 10 years.

   Upon retiring as an officer with the department for 20 years, he was appointed as a special policeman. He was survived by his wife and an adult son.

The responsibilities of the Indianapolis Police Department (1854–2006) are now under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

~ ~ ~

This officer, discovered in 2022, has not been submitted for consideration as an eligible line of duty death to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund by the Indianapolis Police Department.