Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Ralph Hancock and Deputy Sheriff Ralph Dwayne Wilder were shot and killed during a civil rights demonstration that turned into a riot on North Boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge. Police converged on the demonstration when three newsmen were attacked. A single shot was fired from an unknown person followed by a fierce gun battle between demonstrators and police. Two demonstrators were killed and 34 others were injured. Several suspects were arrested. Eventually, 13 suspects were charged in connection with Deputy Wilder's and Deputy Hancock's murder. On May 8th, 1973, nine suspects were convicted of inciting a riot and participating in a riot in which death occurred. They were each sentenced to 21 years in prison. On March 31st, 1975, the Louisiana Supreme Court overturned their convictions stating that they could not and did not receive a fair trial in Baton Rouge. After the trial of the 13 suspects was over, the key witness in the trial received several death threats. On June 13th, 1974, he was found shot to death outside his office in Baton Rouge. Deputy Hancock had served with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-LA-D5B10303- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Hancock gave the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Baton Rouge community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Hancock.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Ralph G. Hancock 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 LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Dept., 11 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 84.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ralph G. Hancock's cause is highlighted.
How Ralph G. Hancock Compares
Offender Outcome
Apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ralph G. Hancock is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ralph G. Hancock was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
