Sheriff Roy L. Bassett ~ Vienna, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 11.134 W 091° 56.830
15S E 592203 N 4226928
Killed during an investigation of a traffic accident.
Waymark Code: WM7JZX
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 11/02/2009
Views: 7
Memorial Erected by: Citizens of Maries County.
County of Memorial: Maries County.
Location of Memorial: 4th St. side courthouse lawn, Vienna.
Date Memorial Erected: 1994.
Monument Text:
SHERIFF MARIES COUNTY
970
In Tribute to
SHERIFF
ROY L. BASSETT
Killed in the Line of Duty
September 23, 1994.
And to the Law Enforcement
Officers of Maries County
Who Risk Their Lives Daily.
On September 23rd, 1994, Trooper Curtis Martin responded to minor two-car accident on US Highway 63, south of Vienna. During his investigation, he located some ammunition in one of the vehicles, which had been occupied by a Mark Ebright and Anthony Denson. As he continued his investigation Maries County Sheriff Roy Bassett stopped to assist. Shortly thereafter, Denson suddenly pulled out a pistol and fatally wounded Sheriff Bassett and then began shooting at Trooper Martin. A gunfight ensued as the two were separated by nothing more than one of the wrecked vehicles. As Trooper Martin struggled to gain a tactical advantage during the gun battle, he was also charged and attacked by Ebright. The confrontation ended with Trooper Martin fatally wounding Denson and also shooting and seriously wounding Ebright. The investigation later revealed the two had earlier robbed and then shot a convenience store clerk in Indiana. Ebright was later convicted of first degree murder and received a life sentence.
Visit Instructions:
Please submit a photo(s) taken by you of your visit to the location (non-copyrighted photos only). GPS photos are also accepted with the location in the background, and old vacation photos are accepted. If you are not able to provide a photo, then please describe your visit or give a story about the visit.