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Leonard E. Cross

Death by Force
Case Description
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In the quiet town of Cotton Plant, Arkansas, a routine stop on a summer day in 1984 turned into a tragedy that would claim the life of its police chief. Leonard E. Cross, the 40-year-old Chief of Police, was a two-year veteran of the force and had also served his country in the U.S. Army. On Friday, July 13, 1984, Chief Cross and his fellow officer, Patrolman Roy Leon Jr., approached a 16-year-old juvenile they suspected of stealing a motorcycle.

As the officers began to escort the young ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (5)
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  • Chief of Police Leonard E. Cross
  • Reflections for Chief of Police Leonard E. Cross
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    Victim Details

    Leonard E. Cross

    Male

    White / Caucasian

    Cotton Plant

    AR

    1984-07-13

    40

    Leonard

    E. Cross

    11/13/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    I’ve been thinking about how the deaths of Chief Cross and Officer Leon left Cotton Plant without ... ...Read More
    03/21/2024
    I came across this case recently, and I can't help but focus on the impact it had on such a small co... ...Read More
    01/24/2024
    Hey everyone, I've been thinking a lot about the impact that Chief Cross's and Officer Leon's deaths... ...Read More
    10/08/2023
    Other Cases from Cotton Plant, Arkansas

    Roy Leon

    Death: Jul 13, 1984
    In the small town of Cotton Plant, Arkansas, a routine encounter on a summer day in 1984 turned into t ...Read More