U.S. Navy · United States

Earl Compton

1972

Life Service Also Served In Our Keeping

Earl R. Compton served the U.S. Navy.

How He Died

Manner Homicide

Cause Gunshot wound

Mechanism Firearm

What Happened

Location: Virginia
Weapon: Handgun
Offender: Sentenced to 20 years

Captain Earl Compton was shot and killed by a disgruntled police employee inside a conference room in the basement of the old Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

Captain Compton and several other members of the police administration were discussing a new promotion policy when the sergeant entered the room and opened fire. Captain Compton was killed and three other members of the administration were wounded.

The 52-year-old sergeant who shot them was immediately arrested and charged with murder and three counts of malicious wounding. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Captain Compton was a U.S. Navy veteran.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife, two daughters, mother, brother, and sister.

Service Record

U.S. Navy

Also Served

Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Police

Captain

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In Our Keeping

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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw

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Last updated August 2, 2026

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