U.S. Army · United States 
Hiram Alex Ritchie
1980
Hiram A. Ritchie served the U.S. Army for 2 years. Hiram served in the Vietnam War and the Cold War.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Deputy Ritchie was shot and killed and another deputy was seriously wounded during a gun battle with five men near Buckhorn Lake. Deputy Ritchie and the other deputy stopped to investigate four brothers sitting on a bridge rail. As they attempted to arrest one of the subjects, gunfire erupted with the brothers and their father who drove up on the scene. Deputy Ritchie was killed instantly, the other deputy was shot in the abdomen, and one of the suspects was shot in the leg. All five were later apprehended and charged with murder. One suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years. Two others were convicted of reckless homicide and sentenced to two and four years in prison. The boy's father admitted shooting the other deputy but said he did so in self defense. He was acquitted.
Survivors
Deputy Ritchie was survived by his wife and two children.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1969 – 1971
Conflicts
Vietnam War
Cold War
Also Served
Perry County Sheriff's Office
Deputy Sheriff
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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