Roll of Honor
Incident
Town Marshal Columbus Croy was shot and killed while responding to a burglary in progress at 1:00 am. Marshal Croy was at home asleep when he was alerted to the robbery at the store 500 feet from his home. As he approached the store one of the suspects ordered him to stop. Marshal Croy continued to walk towards the store and the suspect opened fire. Marshal Croy returned fire but was struck in the heart and mortally wounded. The suspects fled to a nearby train station where they hopped on a train heading towards Chicago or Detroit. All four of the suspects were later apprehended. Two were convicted of murder and sentenced to two to 21 years. A third suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to two to 21 years. All three were released in 1911. Charges were dismissed against the fourth suspect who turned state's evidence. Marshal Croy had served with the Woodburn Police Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-25888A07- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Town Marshal Croy gave the Woodburn Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Woodburn community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Croy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Town Marshal Columbus Lafayette Croy is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Columbus Lafayette Croy's cause is highlighted.
How Columbus Lafayette Croy Compares
Offender Outcome
Released in 1911
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Columbus Lafayette Croy is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Columbus Lafayette Croy was killed by gun; unknown type.