Lieutenant Ray R. "Joe" Clark, aged 49, was a dedicated officer with the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Marietta, Ohio. On the evening of February 7, 1981, he was shot and killed from ambush while standing in the kitchen of his home on Dodd's Run Road. A shotgun blast was fired through his kitchen window, striking him in the head. His wife, Patricia, discovered him injured on the floor, but despite immediate medical attention, he passed away shortly after arriving at the hospital.
The case remained unsolved for over three decades until September 16, 2014, when a former Washington County sheriff's deputy, Mitchell Ruble, was arrested and charged with Clark's murder. Ruble had been fired by Clark in December 1979 for using excessive force while on duty, and the murder was believed to be an act of retaliation. On March 11, 2016, Ruble was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison with eligibility for parole after 15 years. Ruble died in prison on March 18, 2017, and his conviction was upheld posthumously during the appeal process on August 9, 2017.
Clark, who had served with the Washington County Sheriff's Office for 14 years, was well-respected by his colleagues and community. He was survived by his wife, son, stepdaughter, sister, brother, and parents. The resolution of the case brought some closure to Clark's family, who had waited over 30 years for justice.
Clark's legacy continues to be honored by those who knew him and the law enforcement community, who remember his dedication and sacrifice.
