In the spring of 1915, the city of Brunswick, Georgia, was shattered by a violent outburst that claimed the life of one of its own peace officers, Rexford Napoleon 'Rex' Deaver. At just 23 years old, Officer Deaver had only been with the Brunswick Police Department for three months before he was killed in the line of duty on March 6, 1915.
The tragic events of that day were set in motion by a man who had become enraged over a soured lumber deal.
Seeking legal counsel, the man went to an attorney's office in Brunswick, but his frustration soon boiled over into a shocking display of violence. He opened fire within the office, beginning a shooting spree that would ultimately leave a devastating toll. Officer Deaver was among the first to respond to the chaotic scene. In an act of bravery, he attempted to covertly approach the location to engage the gunman. An exchange of gunfire ensued, and during the shootout, Officer Deaver was fatally wounded.
He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a local hospital. The gunman's rampage resulted in the deaths of four other civilians and left 30 more citizens with injuries. The violent episode came to an end when another officer at the scene managed to fatally shoot the suspect. Rexford Deaver was laid to rest at Frederica cemetery on St. Simon's Island following a funeral service held at his father's home.
