CHARLES HOUSER

Order a Wreath

Rank: Patrolman
Panel: 16-E: 17
Department: Springfield, Missouri, P.D.
End of Watch: January 2, 1932
Cause: Gunfire
Age: 28
Years of Service: 2

Description: Six lawmen were killed as they attempted to apprehend two suspects wanted in the murder of Greene County Marshal Mark Noe: Greene County Sheriff Marcell Hendrix, Deputy Ollie Crosswhite, Deputy Wiley Mashburn, Springfield Police Chief Detective Tony Oliver, Detective Sidney Meadows and Officer Charley Houser. This incident became known as the Young Brothers Massacre. Acting on a tip, an 11 man posse went to the family farm belonging to the Young clan and surrounded the residence. After witnessing the shooting of Sheriff Hendrix, Deputy Mashburn and Deputy Crosswhite, Officer Houser checked to see if he was able to move towards the house and was fatally shot between the eyes. After the ensuing shootout that killed two more lawmen, the suspects fled to Texas. When lawmen surrounded the residence where they were hiding, both suspects committed suicide.