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Roy Leon

Death by Force
Case Description
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In the small town of Cotton Plant, Arkansas, a routine encounter on a summer day in 1984 turned into a tragedy that would leave the community without its full-time police force. On July 13, 1984, Police Officer Roy L. Leon, Jr., a 24-year-old male, was on duty with Police Chief Leonard E. Cross. The two officers approached a 16-year-old, Benny Ray Hatley, in connection with a stolen motorcycle. What happened next unfolded quickly and violently, forever altering the lives of all involved and shak ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (3)
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  • Police Officer Roy L. Leon, Jr.
  • Suspect in custody for slaying of police officers - UPI Archives
    •     ...View 1 additional sources
    Victim Details

    Roy Leon

    Male

    Cotton Plant

    AR

    1984-07-13

    24

    Roy

    Leon

    11/13/2025

    Forum Posts (1)
    Remembering Officer Roy L. Leon, Jr. and Chief Leonard E. Cross, I can't help but think about the la... ...Read More
    03/03/2023
    Other Cases from Cotton Plant, Arkansas

    Leonard E. Cross

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