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Incident
Deputy John Grove and Deputy Wallace McClure were shot and killed while transporting two prisoners, 19 and 20, to the Pendleton Penitentiary in Deputy Grove's car.
The prisoners had been convicted of armed robbery and about to serve two to 20 year sentences in prison. When they failed to arrive at the penitentiary, a nationwide manhunt began and the next day the prisoner's uncle saw the prisoners driving Deputy Grove's car near Danville, Illinois. Two days later, the car was found abandoned in Decatur, Illinois, and Deputy Grove's hat was found east of Lafayette near Maple Point.
The bodies of Deputies Grove and McClure were found on February 16 in a field west of Covington in Warren County. Sometime during the transport the prisoners were able to gain control of the deputy's weapons and executed both of them.
One of the prisoners was arrested on May 21 at his uncle's home in West Lafayette and on June 9, he was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. After more than three years, the other prisoner was captured in Albuquerque, New Mexico, using an alias name. He confessed that he shot and killed both officers and was sentenced to life in prison on January 8, 1932. He was denied parole in 1945. The other suspect was paroled on June 16, 1945, and released to Illinois authorities to face an old parole violation.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Grove served with the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Lafayette community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Grove.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1928, 8 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 56. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38.
John was 56. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
John was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
February holds 6.8% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Wednesdays: 13.5%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
