Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Marlin was a friend of mine. He and I were elementary and h.s. classmates. He and I played football together. Marlin was one of the best people I ever knew. I vividly remember the sendoff some of us gave Marlin at the old Polar Girl, just before his deployment to Vietnam. Marlin was a helicopter door gunner, one of the most dangerous jobs in the Army.

How awful and tragic that Marlin survived Vietnam, only to be heartlessly murdered by a drunk. My father was the judge when Marlin's killer was tried. The killer, unfortunately, was represented by my cousin, Peter Zack Geer,who was a skilled attorney.

My father charged the jury only to consider murder, with no consideration for lesser charges. I later asked my dad why he didn't include manslaughter in his charge , and he told me that he was required to charge what the evidence justified and that the evidence clearly showed that Marlin was murdered.

Many years later, I found out that several of the jurors had been visited and intimidated by relatives of the murderer. I was told about the jury tampering years after my dad died.

Many years ago, I told Marlin's brother, Larry what my dad had told me about the trial. I had intended to visit Marlin's mother, but failed to do so. If my dad had discovered the jury tampering, he would have declared a mistrial, and the tamperers would have gone to prison.

It's horrific enough that Marlin's family lost him so tragically. It's equally tragic that Marlin's family never received any kind of justice.

Walter I "Wig" Geer II
Friend

August 30, 2021

I am the sister of Marlin Stephens. That evening he was killed is burned into my memory. We were in revival at our church. The evangelist had eaten supper with us that evening before church. It was the first day of spring and such a beautiful day. During the church service, Mrs. Ida Tabb,who lived not far from our church- came to the door of the church and she somehow got my daddy's attention to come to the porch of the church. There, she told Daddy what had happened- he told a drunk man home, who turned around and shot him with a deer rifle/gun. He came back in and had to tell Mama. She was hysterical as any mother would be. My grandmother, who helped raise Marlin , was in her corner where she always sat. I don't know who told her,but she got the news. Our whole world fell apart that night and it has never been the same. We have learned to cope ,but there is not a day that goes by that he is not missed. Marlin had such a great personality. He LOVED life and having fun with his family. He loved to joke and make us laugh. Grandma, Daddy, and Mama have all gone on now. I know that was such a reunion for all of them! We love you Marlin!

Rebecca West LaGuardia
Sister

April 13, 2018

I am the daughter of Marlin Stephens. He was killed when I was 4 years old. I don't have many memories of him, but my Grandmother, Mother, Aunts and Uncles tell me many stories and share their own memories. I miss him every single day. There are many times when I think about what was taken from us. My wedding day and the births of my two boys. They are often told how much they look and act like him. Rest in Peace Daddy!!

Stephanie Arlyne Stephens Der
Daughter

April 12, 2017

Rest in Peace, Deputy Stephens. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

April 1, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 21, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 34th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Reading the circumstances of your death really angered me. It sounds like you were giving him a ride home, keeping the roads safe from a drunk driver, yet not locking him up and he shoots you. All of these murders are stupid, senseless, and cruel, but reading your memorial page got to me.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer

March 21, 2009

i remember marlin always laughing, and the good guy he was and how all us kids respected him so and have missed so much ,we could have learned from him if not for this unfortunate turn of events i remember his red hair and how his family has missed him ,especially christmas marlin made christmas. he was always so happy and kind you r missed everyday . love your cousin edith

edith bryant
cousin

June 17, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

February 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 29, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 10, 2007

You are being remembered today. You did your job well. Rest in peace.

Dispatcher
Wisconsin

March 21, 2005