George V. Darnell, a 60-year-old white male, was tragically killed on December 7, 1981, in Monmouth, Illinois. Deputy Sheriff George V. Darnell was responding to a call about suspicious activity at a bulk fuel storage plant on U.S. 67 near Monmouth. Upon arrival, he discovered several suspects stealing fuel from the storage facility, loading it into their own tanker truck. As Deputy Darnell attempted to arrest the suspects, he was ambushed and shot multiple times in the head and chest.
His body was found less than ten feet from his police cruiser.
The investigation into Deputy Darnell's murder led to the arrest of David Wolfbrandt, who was charged with the murder, armed robbery, conspiracy, and armed violence. Wolfbrandt was convicted in a jury trial and sentenced to 70 years in prison. However, due to sentencing laws at the time, he was released on parole in November 2017 after serving only half of his sentence. This early release was met with significant opposition from the law enforcement community and Deputy Darnell's family, who had filed multiple petitions to prevent his release.
Deputy Darnell was a United States Army veteran of World War II and had served with the Warren County Sheriff's Department for ten years, in addition to seven years with the Warren County Sheriff's Auxiliary. He was survived by his wife and four children. In 2014, a section of Highway 67 near the scene of the shooting was named in his honor, commemorating his service and sacrifice.
