Deputy City Marshal Robert L. Normand, aged 47, tragically lost his life on July 30, 1920, in Burbank, California. On that fateful night, Marshal Normand and a constable observed a suspicious vehicle driving without its lights on at the intersection of Third Street and Tujunga Avenue. Suspecting illicit activity, they decided to stop the vehicle. As they approached, the occupants of the car opened fire, fatally wounding Marshal Normand.
The constable, despite being shot multiple times, survived the encounter.
The investigation revealed that the vehicle's occupants were involved in transporting illegal liquor, a common activity during the Prohibition era. Following the incident, two men were apprehended and subsequently sentenced to life in prison for their roles in the murder. The primary gunman, aged 28 at the time of the crime, later died in San Quentin Prison on January 17, 1939.
Marshal Normand's death marked a significant and somber moment in the history of the Burbank Police Department. His service, which spanned over six years, was remembered for its dedication and bravery. The incident underscored the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during that period, particularly in the context of enforcing Prohibition laws.
The legal proceedings following the arrests were closely watched, as they highlighted the broader issues of crime and punishment during the early 20th century. The swift apprehension and sentencing of the suspects demonstrated the resolve of the justice system to address violent crimes against law enforcement officers. Marshal Normand's sacrifice is commemorated as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by those who serve to protect their communities.
