Town Marshal William Miner was shot and killed while struggling with two men after responding to reports of subjects breaking into a vehicle at the Avilla Salvage Yard.

   Upon approaching the vehicle, a struggle ensued in which his service weapon fell from its holster onto the pavement. One of the suspects shot Marshal Miner in the back with his .357-caliber handgun before both fled from the scene.

   An 18-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. In 1995, the Indiana Supreme Court affirmed the conviction, but overturned his death sentence which resulted in a resentencing to 60 years in prison. He was discharged in 2013.

   A 26-year-old suspect pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to eight years in prison.

   Town Marshal Miner had previously served with the South Whitley Police Department. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, three brothers and two sisters.