On November 21, 1971, Officer Joe Douglas Spiers was shot and killed by a woman suspected of driving under the influence. Marjorie P. Brai had been arrested by Officer David West for driving under the influence and Officer Spiers was assisting him in transporting her to the jail. Shortly after leaving the station, she removed a handgun she had hidden on her person and shot Officer Spiers in the head. Marjorie Brai was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Officer Spiers was 23 years old and his wife was three months pregnant at the time of his death. He earned two purple hearts while serving with the Navy during the Vietnam War. He was survived by his widow Sherry Powell Spiers, mother Hilda Bennett; two sisters, Rita and Marilyn and four brothers, Bennie, E.J., Mike and Greg.

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