Deputy Sheriff Eugene Conrey and Night Marshal Benjamin Corner were shot and killed during a robbery attempt at the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Forsythe Boulevard in Clayton.

Deputy Conrey was approached by a suspect approximately 12:30 am in the city of Clayton. The suspect attempted to rob him and a gun battle ensued. Night Marshal Benjamin Corner, of the Clayton Police Department, was awakened by the gunshots and responded to the scene. He arrived at the scene and found both Deputy Conrey and the suspect wounded. Despite his wounds, the suspect shot and killed Marshal Corner as well.

The suspect was able to get into his automobile and escape into the city of St. Louis. Responding officers were able to track the vehicle to a park where the suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The suspect and two accomplices were arrested nearby.

The suspect and one accomplice, ages 20 and 25, were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On October 15, 1922, one escaped from the Clayton Jail right after he was sentenced along with five other inmates. He was never seen again.

Article by Brent Marchant