Frank E. Corley

Sunday, August 24, 1924

Corley, Frank E.

Rank: Policeman

Serial Number: Unknown

Division: Unknown

Location: 12th and Hooper

Date Killed: Sunday, August 24, 1924

Cause of Death: Shot by a Gambling Suspect - Off
Duty

Bio: It was a warm Sunday summer night in 1924,
when a group of "professional" men were engaged in a craps game at
the rear of Pierson's Drug Store at 12th Street and Hooper Avenue.
One of those men was off-duty LAPD officer Elmer Roberson.

During the game, an argument ensued between Roberson and another
gambler, later identified as the gunman, Luther Bryant. The
argument escalated into a physical altercation between the two men.
Roberson's firearm fell from his jacket. Bryant recovered the
weapon and fired six rounds in Roberson's direction. Roberson was
struck three times by the gunfire.

Hearing the gunfire from the street, Patrolman Frank Corley ran
into the drugstore to investigate when he was shot. A doctor who
happened upon the scene drove Patrolmen Corley and Roberson to a
nearby hospital, although Patrolman Corley died enroute.

Bryant, who had fled on foot from the location, later telephoned
and surrendered to police. Two months later in a surprising turn of
events, Bryant accepted a plea deal and pled guilty to manslaughter
(citing self-defense) and was sentenced to only 10 years in San
Quentin State Penitentiary.

Though Patrolman Corley would serve the City only three short
years, he earned a reputation for professionalism, receiving
numerous commendations for his exemplary service. The year before
his untimely death, he was commended by Chief of Police R. Lee
Heath for single-handedly capturing an armed bank robber at the
Pacific Southwest Bank at 7th St. and Central Ave.