In the quiet, early hours of August 4, 1965, in Youngtown, Arizona, a veteran lawman's life was tragically cut short. Herman William Nofs, a 71-year-old White male, was on duty as a Deputy Marshal for the Youngtown Police Department. A seasoned officer with 35 years of service, he had previously served with the Illinois State Police for 31 years and was a United States Army veteran of World War I.
Though officially retired, he continued to serve his community by working one or two days a week.
While on patrol, Marshal Nofs noticed signs of a break-in at a gas station located at 111th Avenue and Grand Avenue. He discovered broken glass and, upon investigating, encountered two young men, aged seventeen and nineteen. With his weapon drawn, he confronted the suspects. In the ensuing struggle, the 19-year-old struck Marshal Nofs, causing him to drop his handgun. The 17-year-old then seized the firearm and fatally shot the veteran officer.
The two suspects were later apprehended. On February 9, 1966, both were convicted of first-degree murder and received life sentences. However, the legal journey for the younger suspect did not end there. The Arizona Supreme Court later overturned the 17-year-old's conviction, ordering a new trial. On July 29, 1968, he was subsequently convicted of the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 5 to 10 years in prison. Marshal Nofs, who was Youngtown's first Marshal, was survived by his wife.
