In the quiet of a winter evening in Amber Township, Michigan, a series of events unfolded that would end in the tragic death of 68-year-old William Jackson Marble. On January 14, 2014, what began as a domestic disturbance call to Mason-Oceana 911 escalated into a fatal encounter with law enforcement. Marble, a retired school teacher, was at his home on North Dennis Road with his wife, Nancy Marble, when she made distressed calls to emergency services.
Two Michigan State Police troopers,
James Luttrull and Trooper Hammerle, arrived at the Marble residence in full uniform for what they likely anticipated would be a routine matter. They were met at the door by Nancy Marble, who then summoned her husband. The situation rapidly deteriorated when William Marble appeared and pointed a handgun at the two officers who were standing less than twenty feet away.
Faced with an immediate threat to their lives, Trooper Luttrull fired a single shot. The bullet struck Marble, passing through his hand and the handgun he was holding before entering his chest and lodging in his shoulder blade. After ensuring the scene was secure, the troopers administered first aid to Marble until emergency medical services arrived. He was transported to Spectrum Health-Ludington Hospital where he was pronounced dead, having no heartbeat and not breathing upon arrival.
In the aftermath, an investigation was conducted which included an autopsy by the Kent County Medical Examiner and a review by the Mason County Prosecuting Attorney. The prosecutor's report later concluded that the shooting of William Jackson Marble was reasonable and justified, as Trooper Luttrull acted in self-defense and in defense of his fellow officer. The handgun Marble was holding was found to be legally registered to him. No arrests were made in connection with the death of William Jackson Marble.
