Lane County Sheriff's Office, Oregon
End of Watch Friday, April 11, 1975
Add to My HeroesRoy Hugo Dirks
Deputy Sheriff Roy Dirks was shot and killed by a copycat killer mimicking the famous serial killer Charles Manson.
Deputy Dirks was investigating a drowning incident when he was killed on a dead-end logging road in the Blue River Reservoir area 30 miles west of Eugene.
The suspect was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison. The leader of the copycat cult was charged with murder in this case but was acquitted. He was found guilty of hindering the prosecution.
Deputy Dirks was a United States Army Korean War veteran and had served 10 years with the Lane County Sheriff's Office. He was survived by his four children, father, brother, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 10 years
- Badge 40
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .30 caliber
- Offender Released from prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 24 ReflectionsDeputy Sheriff Dirks,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army in Korea. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
April 11, 2025
