In the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 5, 1931, a respected lawman's life was abruptly ended. John L. Wormell, a 64-year-old White male, had dedicated 35 years of his life to the Asotin County Sheriff's Department in Washington. On this particular night, he and a deputy were called to investigate a burglary in progress at a store located at the intersection of 2nd and Cleveland Streets in Clarkston.
The time was approximately 1:15 a.m.
The store's owner met the officers and unlocked the door, allowing them to enter the darkened building. A sense of caution likely filled the air as the owner proceeded down one aisle while Sheriff Wormell took the other, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet space. Unbeknownst to them, the suspect was concealed within the store, hiding behind a barrel. As Sheriff Wormell passed this hiding spot, a single shot rang out, fired from a. 32 caliber pistol that had been previously stolen.
The bullet struck Sheriff Wormell in the head, and he was killed instantly. The sudden violence of the act left no time for reaction. In the immediate aftermath, the other deputy on the scene was able to apprehend the shooter. The suspect was a 12-year-old boy. The young age of the perpetrator added a shocking layer to the already tragic event.
The juvenile suspect was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder for the killing of Sheriff Wormell. He was sentenced to life in prison and sent to the Walla Walla State Prison. However, after serving a decade of his sentence, his case was championed by Father Flannagan of Boy's Town. At Father Flannagan's request, the governor pardoned the young man. Sheriff Wormell, who had also served as an elected representative to the state legislature, was survived by his wife, three sons, and a daughter, leaving behind a legacy of long and dedicated service to his community.
