On a December evening in Henderson, Tennessee, a veteran law enforcement officer's life was tragically cut short in the line of duty. Captain Dennis Darrell Cagle, a 56-year-old male, passed away on December 13, 2009, after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound. His death came three days after he was shot while responding to a robbery in progress.
The incident that led to Captain Cagle's death unfolded on December 10, 2009, at a Save-A-Lot grocery store in Henderson. Being the first to arrive at the scene, Captain Cagle entered the establishment and was immediately met with gunfire, sustaining a single shot to his abdomen. Despite his grave injury, he managed to return fire. A deputy from the Chester County Sheriff's Office, who had arrived shortly after, also engaged the suspect. The exchange of gunfire resulted in the suspect being wounded multiple times.
The individual responsible for the shooting was identified as Ricky Lee Stewart, III. He was taken into custody at the scene of the crime. Stewart was subsequently charged with a host of federal offenses, including the first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, obstructing interstate commerce through an attempted robbery, and illegal firearm possession by a convicted felon.
In the ensuing legal proceedings, Ricky Lee Stewart, III, pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. This admission of guilt led to a sentence of life in prison plus an additional ten years, ensuring he would not have the possibility of parole. The conviction brought a measure of closure to the family, colleagues, and friends of Captain Cagle, who was remembered as a dedicated and courageous officer with 30 years of service to his community.
