In the late summer of 1993, a tragedy unfolded in the quiet landscape of North Dakota that left a community in mourning. Benson County Deputy Sheriff Valence LeeWayne Pascal, a 26-year-old U.S. Army veteran, was killed in the line of duty. He had served with the Benson County Sheriff's Office for two years, building a reputation for his dedication and commitment to the safety of his community.
On the afternoon of August 26, 1993, in the town of Leeds, Deputy Pascal arrested a man on a
warrant for failing to appear in court on a DUI charge. The man was known to Deputy Pascal and had no history of being a threat to the community. After placing the suspect in the back of his patrol car, Deputy Pascal returned to the driver's seat. In a sudden and unforeseen act of violence, the suspect produced a homemade. 22 caliber pistol and shot Deputy Pascal in the back of the head.
Following the fatal shooting of the deputy, the suspect then used the same weapon to take his own life. The motive for this sudden and tragic act remains unclear, as the individual had no prior criminal record that would have indicated such a violent potential. The unexpected nature of the attack sent shockwaves through the small North Dakota community.
Deputy Pascal was rushed to a hospital in Fargo, but his injuries were too severe. He succumbed to the gunshot wound the following morning, on August 27, 1993. His untimely death was a profound loss for his family, friends, and fellow law enforcement officers. In the wake of this tragedy, a scholarship was established in his name to honor his memory and his dedicated service to the community he had sworn to protect. The case was closed as the sole suspect in the shooting was deceased at the scene.
