Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Marshal Ernest Gray was shot and killed, and two men who were assisting him were severely wounded when they attempted to arrest two brothers in a stolen vehicle.
The suspects, ages 19 and 20, opened fire as the three approached them. Deputy Gray and both men were unarmed.
The two suspects were arrested by a posse after the incident. The older brother was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on December 12, 1919. He was paroled on August 1, 1931. His brother was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to an indeterminate term in prison. He was paroled on July 1, 1932.
Deputy Marshal Gray was survived by his wife and four children.
Survivors
Deputy Marshal Gray was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-94D2A8ED- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Marshal Gray served with the Willoughby Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Willoughby community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Marshal Gray.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Marshal Ernest C. Gray is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 57.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Willowick Police Department, 1 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 25% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ernest C. Gray's cause is highlighted.
How Ernest C. Gray Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ernest C. Gray is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ernest C. Gray was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Willowick Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
