Date of Death: May 3, 1938 as the direct result of adversarial action in Lapel, Indiana.
Cause of Death: SA William R. Ramsey died from wounds he sustained while attempting to arrest suspects in a Lapel, Indiana bank burglary that had taken place the previous December. The FBI had begun an investigation— and based upon information received by the Indiana State Police—Joe Earlywine, John Hulett, and Fred Steffler were developed as suspects. Through a physical surveillance of Earlywine’s Penfield, Illinois home, Earlywine and Hulett were determined to be present at that house. On May 2, 1938, Special Agent Ramsey, another FBI agent, and local officers arrived at the farm, where they immediately identified John Hulett and took him into custody. Earlywine was identified in the house and was advised that he was under arrest. Earlywine then drew a gun and shot Special Agent Ramsey several times. The injured agent returned fire, and a bullet struck Earlywine in the forehead, killing him instantly. Special Agent Ramsey was mortally wounded by Earlywine’s bullets and was immediately taken to a local hospital, where he died the following morning. Special Agent Ramsey was born in London, Kentucky in October 1903.
Burial Location:
Acacia Memorial Park
Lake Forest Park, Washington
G10, Rhody Section, Lot 194C, Space 2