FBI Agents Association - Member Funds - Agents Killed by an Adversary

Special Agents Who Were Killed in the Line of Duty as the Direct Result of an Adversarial Action Agents Killed by an Adversary

The FBI honors its Special Agents killed in the line of duty as the result of a direct adversarial force, or at or by the hand of an adversary.  The names of these Agents, who are appropriately termed "Service Martyrs," are included on a permanent plaque so that their ultimate sacrifice will always be remembered.  The inscription on this Service Martyr Plaque reads: "In memory of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who were killed in the line of duty as the direct result of an adversarial action."  A total of 33 Special Agents have been honored as Service martyrs. VISIT - Agents Killed by an Adversary and Click on the Agent's name to read a brief synopsis of the circumstances surrounding his/her death.

On October 11, 1925, Special Agent Edwin C. Shanahan, the first FBI Agent killed in the line of duty, was murdered by Martin J. Durkin, a car thief who had previously wounded four police officers to avoid capture, in Chicago, Illinois.  Upon receiving word from underworld sources that Durkin was planning to hide a stolen automobile in a certain Chicago garage, SA Shanahan and officers of the Chicago Police Department proceeded to that garage to wait for Durkin to appear.  When Durkin drove the stolen car into the garage, SA Shanahan, who was alone at the time, attempted to arrest him.  However, Durkin swept an automatic pistol from the front seat of the car and shot the Agent in the chest.  SA Shanahan returned fire, but Durkin escaped as his victim collapsed.  Death was almost instantaneous.  Durkin was sentenced to 35 years in prison for SA Shanahan's murder and received an additional 15 years on stolen motor vehicle charges.

Paul E. Reynolds, born 09/03/1899 in IL.  Lived in Boise, ID. prior to entrance on duty. - Died 08/09/1929 in Phoenix, AZ.

Special Agent Paul E. Reynolds of the FBI's El Paso Office was on assignment in Phoenix, Arizona, at the time of his death.  At about 9 p.m. on August 9, 1929, he rented an automobile and departed from his hotel.  Three days later, his body was found floating in a canal near Phoenix.  An autopsy revealed that death had resulted from a gunshot wound in his heart.  A thorough and intensive investigation failed to shed any light on the mystery surrounding his death.

Raymond J. Caffrey, born 05/12/1903 in McCook, NE.  Lived in Omaha,  NE. prior to entrance on duty. - Died 06/17/1933 in Kansas City, MO.

On June 17, 1933, Special Agent Raymond J. Caffrey became one of the victims of the "Kansas City Massacre."  SA Caffrey, two local police detectives, and the Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City Field Office reported to Union Station to meet two other FBI Agents and Police Chief Otto Reed of McAlester, Oklahoma, who were returning escapee Frank Nash to the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas.  While entering a car, they were fired upon by a group trying to free Nash.   Two Special Agents were wounded while Nash, Chief Reed, the two Kansas City detectives, and SA Caffrey were killed.  The killers were identified as Vernon C. Miller, "Pretty Boy" Floyd, and Adam Richetti.  Floyd avoided apprehension until October 22, 1934, when he was killed by FBI Agents near East Liverpool, Ohio, while resisting arrest.  Later, Richetti was arrested in Ohio, following a gun battle with local officers.  During his trial, Richetti was found guilty and was subsequently executed.  Vernon C. Miller was found dead on November 29, 1933, near Detroit, Michigan.

W. Carter Baum, born 07/02/1904 in Washington, DC.  Lived in Washington, DC. prior to entrance on duty.- Died 04/22/1934 near Little Bohemia Lodge, WI.

On April 22, 1934, Special Agent W. Carter Baum was killed by "Baby Face" Nelson, who would later claim the lives of two other FBI Agents.   Information was received that John Dillinger and members of his gang were hiding at Little Bohemia Lodge, about 50 miles north of Rhinelander, Wisconsin.  Agents from the St. Paul and Chicago Offices hurried to the area in an effort to apprehend the gangsters, who proceeded to escape under cover of machine gun fire before the Agents could completely cover the building.  SA Baum and another Agent, accompanied by a local constable, proceeded to a spot about two miles from the Lodge to investigate a reported disturbance.  As they neared the area, the constable recognized an automobile belonging to a local resident.  When the Agents drove up beside this parked car, the driver, later identified as Lester J. Gillis, better known as "Baby Face" Nelson, asked who they were.  The officers identified themselves, and Gillis drew an automatic pistol and ordered them to get out of the car.  As one of the Agents complied, Gillis fired at him, grazing the Agent's head and rendering him unconscious.   Gillis continued firing, killing SA Baum and seriously wounding the constable.   Gillis ultimately died from wounds received in a gun battle with FBI Agents on November 27, 1934, during which two Agents were slain.

Herman E. Hollis, born 01/27/1903 in Des Moines, IA.  Lived in Des Moines, IA. prior to entrance on duty. - Died 11/2719/34 near Barrington, IL.

On November 27, 1934, Inspector Samuel P. Cowley and Special Agent Herman E. Hollis were mortally wounded in an effort to apprehend Lester ("Baby Face" Nelson) Gillis.  SA Hollis died the same day and Inspector Cowley died the following day.  A wide search for Gillis was underway when word was received in the FBI's Chicago Office that he and his associates had visited Lake Como, Wisconsin.  When two Agents located Gillis, his wife, and his companion, John Paul Chase, in a car near Barrington, Illinois, a running gun battle ensued.  The Agents crippled the criminals' car, which was abandoned after a short pursuit.  When Inspector Cowley and SA Hollis encountered the criminals and began to exit their car, Chase and Gillis opened fire, mortally wounding both Agents.  Even though they were dying, the injured Agents continued firing and wounded Gillis, who died shortly thereafter.  Chase was later apprehended, tried, and sentenced to life in prison.

Samuel P. Cowley, born 07/23/1899 in Franklin, ID.  Lived in Logan, UT. prior to entrance on duty. - Died 11/28/1934 near Barrington, IL.

On November 27, 1934, Inspector Samuel P. Cowley and Special Agent Herman E. Hollis were mortally wounded in an effort to apprehend Lester ("Baby Face" Nelson) Gillis.  SA Hollis died the same day and Inspector Cowley died the following day.  A wide search for Gillis was underway when word was received in the FBI's Chicago Office that he and his associates had visited Lake Como, Wisconsin.  When two Agents located Gillis, his wife, and his companion, John Paul Chase, in a car near Barrington, Illinois, a running gun battle ensued.  The Agents crippled the criminals' car, which was abandoned after a short pursuit.  When Inspector Cowley and SA Hollis encountered the criminals and began to exit their car, Chase and Gillis opened fire, mortally wounding both Agents.  Even though they were dying, the injured Agents continued firing and wounded Gillis, who died shortly thereafter.  Chase was later apprehended, tried, and sentenced to life in prison.

Nelson B. Klein, born 04/03/1898 in New York, NY.  Lived in Atlantic City, NJ. prior to entrance on duty. Died 08/16/1935 in College Corner, IN.

On August 16, 1935, Special Agent Nelson B. Klein and another Special Agent were seeking George W. Barrett in connection with car theft and interstate transportation of stolen vehicles.  SA Klein and associates proceeded to College Corner, Indiana, where Barrett's brother lived.  When the Agents located Barrett later that day, they instructed him to surrender.  However, Barrett ran behind a garage and opened fire, mortally wounding SA Klein, who returned the gunfire, striking Barrett in both legs.  Barrett was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of his injured legs.  Following his recuperation, Barrett was removed to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was convicted for the murder of SA Klein.  Barrett was the first person to receive the death penalty under enactment of Congress making it a capital offense to kill a Special Agent of the FBI, and on March 24, 1936, he was executed.

On April 16, 1937, Special Agent Wimberly W. Baker was mortally wounded when he and another Agent were trying to apprehend two bank robbers, Robert Suhay and a man believed to be Alfred Power.  On April 17, SA Baker died from his wounds.   The Agents had been in the U.S. Post Office at Topeka, Kansas, when a man they identified as Alfred Power entered.  As SA Baker attempted to arrest the man, Suhay began firing upon the Agent.  After the initial rounds were fired, both of the robbers participated in the gunfire, which was returned by the Agent who had come to Agent Baker's assistance.  Both Suhay and his companion escaped; however, they were apprehended later that night in Plattsmouth, Nebraska.  They admitted their participation in the gun battle and were removed to Kansas City, Kansas.  Suhay and his associate, who was found to actually be Glen John Applegate, were indicted for the murder of SA Baker.  They were convicted in Federal District Court, Topeka, Kansas, during the latter part of June, 1937, and received the death penalty.

Truett E. Rowe, born 03/25/1904 in Amity, AR.  Lived in San Benito, TX. prior to entrance on duty. - Died 06/01/1937 in Gallup, NM.

On June 1, 1937, Special Agent Truett E. Rowe was shot and killed by Guy Osborne, who was sought by the FBI in connection with his April 22, 1937, escape from the Eufala, Oklahoma, county jail.  Osborne, a fugitive, was wanted in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where a complaint charging him with violation of the al Motor Vehicle Theft Act was outstanding.  SA Rowe and the local police chief located Osborne at his brother's ranch in Gallup, New Mexico, late on the afternoon of June 1, 1937.  Osborne was gathering some of his possessions when he unexpectedly drew a concealed revolver and fired at SA Rowe.  The Gallup police chief then attempted to shoot Osborne, but his gun misfired and Osborne escaped.  SA Rowe died while the police chief was rushing him to the hospital.  That evening, the police chief and another officer succeeded in recapturing Osborne.  He was tried in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the murder of SA Rowe, and was found guilty of first degree murder.  On October 5, 1937, Osborne was sentenced to life imprisonment and was sent to the U.S. Penitentiary, Leavenworth, Kansas, on October 6, 1937.

William R. Ramsey, born 10/05/1903 in London, KY.  Lived in Denver, CO. prior to entrance on duty. -   Died 05/03/1938  near Penfield, IL.

On May 3, 1938, Special Agent William R. Ramsey died from wounds he sustained while attempting to arrest suspects in a Lapel, Indiana, bank burglary which had taken place the previous December.  The FBI had begun an investigation, and based upon information received by the Indiana State Police, Joe Earlywine, John Hulett, and Fred Steffler were developed as suspects.  Through a physical surveillance of Earlywine's Penfield, Illinois, home, Earlywine and Hulett were determined to be present at that house.  On May 2, 1938, SA Ramsey, another FBI Agent, and local officers arrived at the farm, where they immediately identified John Hulett and took him into custody.  Earlywine was identified in the house and was advised that he was under arrest.  Earlywine then drew a gun and shot SA Ramsey several times.  The injured Agent returned fire, and a bullet struck Earlywine in the forehead, killing him instantly.  SA Ramsey was mortally wounded by Earlywine's bullets and was immediately taken to a local hospital, where he died the following morning.

Hubert J. Treacy, Jr., born 01/13/1913 in New York, NY.  Lived in New York, NY. prior to entrance on duty. Died on 03/13/1942 in Abingdon, VA.

On March 13, 1942, Special Agent Hubert J. Treacy, Jr., was murdered by two Army deserters in an Abingdon, Virginia, gun battle.  SAs Treacy and Charles L. Tignor approached two soldiers from Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, to question them in an Abingdon restaurant.  The fugitives opened fire without warning.  SA Treacy was killed almost instantly, and SA Tignor was seriously wounded.  The soldiers, Charles J. Lovett, age 21, and James Edward Testerman, age 22, were captured a few hours after the shooting by FBI Agents and local officers.

Joseph J. Brock, born 04/30/1908 in Milwaukee, WI.  Lived in Milwaukee, WI. prior to entrance on duty. Died 07/26/1952 in New York, NY.

On July 26, 1952, Special Agent Joseph J. Brock of the FBI's New York Office was killed in the lobby of a New York City hotel during the apprehension of Gerhard Arthur Puff, one of the nation's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives."  The FBI had received information that Puff would visit the hotel, and a surveillance was in place.   When Puff appeared, he telephoned Room 904 before taking the elevator to the ninth floor.  The Agents decided to wait for Puff to return to the lobby before arresting him, and SA Brock was positioned at the foot of a small stairway.  In a few minutes, Puff returned to the first floor by the stairway where SA Brock was stationed.  Puff shot SA Brock twice in the chest and took his gun.  Then, with a gun in each hand, Puff dashed through the lobby, firing another shot at converging Agents.  Outside the hotel, Puff answered Agents' orders to surrender with gunfire.  Agents posted behind parked cars returned fire, striking Puff, who was taken to a hospital for treatment before being taken to the prison ward at Bellevue.  On August 12, 1954, Puff was electrocuted at Sing Sing Prison, Ossining, New York, following his conviction for SA Brock's murder.

John Brady Murphy, born 11/15/1917 in Baltimore, MD.  Lived in Baltimore, MD. prior to entrance on duty. Died on 09/26/1953 in Baltimore, MD.

On September 25, 1953, Special Agent J. Brady Murphy was mortally wounded in a gun battle with John Elgin Johnson which took place in a Baltimore, Maryland, movie theater.  Johnson, who was wanted for murder, telephoned a reporter in Los Angeles, California, and a subsequent call was traced to the Baltimore theater.  When SA Murphy and another Agent located Johnson in a telephone booth, he began firing his weapon, injuring both Agents.  The Agents returned fire, and Johnson was killed.  SA Murphy died from his wounds on September 26.

Richard Purcell Horan, born 04/20/1922 in Hartford, CT.  Lived in Hartford, CT. prior to entrance on duty. Died on 04/18/1957 in Suffield, CT.

On April 18, 1957, Special Agent Richard P. Horan was killed in Suffield, Connecticut, by Francis Kolakowski, a fugitive wanted for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for the murder of his wife.  He was also being sought in connection with a $66,573 payroll robbery, which took place on April 11, 1957, in Windsor, Connecticut.   The FBI learned that Kolakowski was at his sister's home.  While other officers searched the adjacent field and covered the entrances, SA Horan and a small group entered the home by forcing a basement hatchway at the rear.  Kolakowski shot and killed SA Horan as the Agent began climbing the stairs to the floor above.  Before officers could reach him, the fugitive killed himself.

Terry R. Anderson, born 01/19/1924 in Washington, DC.  Lived in Dallas Center, IA. prior to entrance on duty. Died on 05/17/1966 near Shade Gap, PA.

On May 17, 1966, Special Agent Terry R. Anderson was shot and killed while searching for a kidnap victim in rugged mountain terrain near Shade Gap, Pennsylvania.   William Hollenbaugh, also known as "Mountain Man," had abducted a 17-year-old girl and held her captive for 7 days.  SA Anderson was shot while he and another Agent were pursuing the fugitive.  The victim was rescued and Hollenbaugh was killed.

Douglas M. Price, born 01/14/1941 in Paris, ID.  Lived in Logan, UT. prior to entrance on duty. Died on 04/25/1968 in San Antonio, TX.

On April 25, 1968, Special Agent Douglas M. Price was shot and killed near San Antonio, Texas, during an FBI operation to apprehend Bureau fugitive David Rice Chubb, who was sought for murder and car theft.  SA Price, who had served the Bureau for slightly over one year, was taking weapons to Agents already positioned in an area where Chubb was believed to be hiding.  A search began when SA Price failed to respond to radio transmissions.  His abandoned Bureau car was found with a bullet hole in the door, and SA Price's body was located in brush 35 feet from his car.  Chubb drove to a nearby parking lot, where he committed suicide.

Special Agents Edwin R. Woodriffe and Anthony Palmisano were shot and killed on January 8, 1969, by escaped federal prisoner Billie Austin Bryant.  The Agents had just entered a Southeast Washington, D.C., apartment building, where Bryant was hiding, when the escaped prisoner shot both SAs Woodriffe and Palmisano in the hallway.   Bryant had escaped from nearby Lorton Prison in August, 1968.  He had been serving a sentence of 15 to 63 years for robbery and assault.  Bryant was apprehended, tried, and found guilty of the two murders.  He received a life sentence for each murder

Special Agents Edwin R. Woodriffe and Anthony Palmisano were shot and killed on January 8, 1969, by escaped federal prisoner Billie Austin Bryant.  The Agents had just entered a Southeast Washington, D.C., apartment building, where Bryant was hiding, when the escaped prisoner shot both SAs Woodriffe and Palmisano in the hallway.   Bryant had escaped from nearby Lorton Prison in August, 1968.  He had been serving a sentence of 15 to 63 years for robbery and assault.  Bryant was apprehended, tried, and found guilty of the two murders.  He received a life sentence for each murder

On March 15, 1973, Special Agent Gregory W. Spinelli was shot and killed in a gun battle with a suspected bank robber on a street in Charlotte, North Carolina.   SA Spinelli was one of several Agents waiting in a motel room being used to stake out Arthur Tilmer Mankins and Bonnie Lou Logan, two suspects in a savings and loan robbery.  When the suspects began to leave their room, Logan was arrested.   Mankins ran to a wooded area behind the hotel and then to a nearby apartment building, which was under construction.  While another Agent went to the front of the building, SA Spinelli ran to the rear, where he was shot and killed by Mankins.  When Mankins attempted to flee, another Agent succeeded in apprehending him.  Mankins was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of SA Spinelli.

On June 26, 1975, Special Agents Jack R. Coler and Ronald A. Williams were killed while attempting to serve arrest warrants for robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon on the Oglala Sioux Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.  The government dismissed its charges against James Theodore Eagle.  Robert Eugene Robideau and Darrelle Dean Butler were acquitted by jury on July 16, 1976.  Another person indicted for these murders, Leonard Peltier, was convicted and received two consecutive life sentences.

On June 26, 1975, Special Agents Jack R. Coler and Ronald A. Williams were killed while attempting to serve arrest warrants for robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon on the Oglala Sioux Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.  The government dismissed its charges against James Theodore Eagle.  Robert Eugene Robideau and Darrelle Dean Butler were acquitted by jury on July 16, 1976.  Another person indicted for these murders, Leonard Peltier, was convicted and received two consecutive life sentences.

On August 9, 1979, Special Agent Johnnie L. Oliver was shot and killed in Cleveland, Ohio, while pursuing fugitive Melvin Bay Guyon, who was wanted for kidnapping, rape, and armed robbery.  SA Oliver, who was a SWAT team member, and five other Agents went to a house where Guyon was believed to be residing.  SA Oliver and another Agent went through the front door while the other four Agents remained outside.   Guyon, armed with a shotgun, immediately shot SA Oliver, who was killed instantly.   Guyon escaped through the front window.  On that same day, Guyon was added to the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list and was subsequently arrested by FBI Agents in Youngstown, Ohio.  Guyon was convicted of SA Oliver's murder and received a life sentence.

On August 9, 1979, Special Agents Charles W. Elmore and J. Robert Porter were shot and killed by an assailant while in the FBI office in El Centro, California.   The individual who opened fire on the Agents also took his own life.

On August 9, 1979, Special Agents Charles W. Elmore and J. Robert Porter were shot and killed by an assailant while in the FBI office in El Centro, California.   The individual who opened fire on the Agents also took his own life.

On October 5, 1985, Special Agent Robin L. Ahrens, who was assigned to the Phoenix FBI Office, was fatally wounded while participating with other Agents in the apprehension of fugitive Kenneth Don Barrett.  The fugitive was sought for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution for armed robbery.  SA Ahrens was fatally shot by other Agents at the arrest scene who mistook her for an armed associate of the fugitive.  SA Ahrens was the first female Special Agent to be killed in the line of duty.

On April 11, 1986, Special Agents Jerry Dove and Benjamin P. Grogan were killed in Southwest Miami, Florida, during a gun battle with robbery suspects William Russell Matix and Michael Platt.  While Agents were conducting a mobile surveillance in connection with a series of violent bank and armored car robberies, they observed a suspect vehicle.  A high-speed chase ensued when the Agents attempted to stop the vehicle.  When Agents in three FBI vehicles succeeded in stopping the suspect vehicle, suspects Matix and Platt emerged, firing their shoulder weapons.  In the resultant gun battle, SAs Dove and Grogan were killed, and five other Agents were injured.   During the exchange, Matix and Platt made their way to an FBI vehicle.  SA Edmundo Mireles, Jr., had been seriously injured during the altercation, and his left arm was totally disabled.  Overcoming his injury, SA Mireles used his uninjured arm to fire rounds from his pump shotgun at the vehicle's driver and passenger compartment.   When his shotgun rounds were exhausted, SA Mireles managed to rise to his feet, draw his service revolver, and kill Matix and Platt.

On April 11, 1986, Special Agents Jerry Dove and Benjamin P. Grogan were killed in Southwest Miami, Florida, during a gun battle with robbery suspects William Russell Matix and Michael Platt.  While Agents were conducting a mobile surveillance in connection with a series of violent bank and armored car robberies, they observed a suspect vehicle.  A high-speed chase ensued when the Agents attempted to stop the vehicle.  When Agents in three FBI vehicles succeeded in stopping the suspect vehicle, suspects Matix and Platt emerged, firing their shoulder weapons.  In the resultant gun battle, SAs Dove and Grogan were killed, and five other Agents were injured.   During the exchange, Matix and Platt made their way to an FBI vehicle.  SA Edmundo Mireles, Jr., had been seriously injured during the altercation, and his left arm was totally disabled.  Overcoming his injury, SA Mireles used his uninjured arm to fire rounds from his pump shotgun at the vehicle's driver and passenger compartment.   When his shotgun rounds were exhausted, SA Mireles managed to rise to his feet, draw his service revolver, and kill Matix and Platt.

On the afternoon of January 19, 1990, Special Agent L. Douglas Abram was shot and killed in a house located in St. Louis County, Missouri.  SA Abram and other members of the St. Louis SWAT team had assembled to effect entry into the residence for a team executing a search warrant for weapons and drugs at that location.  As the SWAT team entered the house, occupant James Price fatally wounded SA Abram.  SWAT team Agents returned fire, killing Price.

On June 25, 1990, Special Agent John L. Bailey was fatally wounded during an attempted robbery of a Las Vegas, Nevada, bank.  SA Bailey, who was serving a subpoena in the bank, heard a teller scream.  The teller told SA Bailey that the man who had just left her window had a gun and attempted to rob her.  SA Bailey drew his weapon, identified himself as an FBI Agent, and ordered the bank robber to stop.  As the man turned with a gun in his hand, SA Bailey fired one shot, which struck the front glass door.  The robber dropped his gun.  SA Bailey frisked the robber and placed him on a chair.  However,  SA Bailey's attention was apparently diverted and the bank robber lunged at SA Bailey, knocking the Agent's gun out his hand.  The bank robber recovered his own weapon and shot SA Bailey three times.