Headstone of Ballard Turner
U.S. Army · United States United States

Ballard Turner

1932

Ballard White Turner served the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened
Special Agent Ballard Turner and Special Agent Ernest Vlasich were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a moonshiner in Vancouver, Washington. The two agents had gone to the man's home, purchased two gallons of moonshine whiskey, and then immediately attempted to place the suspect under arrest. The man produced a .380 caliber handgun and opened fire, killing Agent Turner instantly and mortally wounding Agent Vlasich, who died just over two weeks later. A tip led to the capture of the suspect, 48, at a cabin four miles east of Vancouver. He was sentenced to life at Walla Walla State Prison. He died on September 28, 1958, at Fort Steilamoon Mental Hospital; present-day Western State Hospital. Special Agent Turner was a United States WWI Army veteran and had served with the United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Prohibition for eight months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Photograph of Ballard Turner
Photograph of Ballard Turner
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
United States Department of Justice - Bureau of Prohibition
Special Agent
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier neuraspine_01krbxtpsxqvggyxpbw56nf4w9
Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by neuraweb.nw
Last updated August 2, 2026

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