Deputy Gene Luther, 50, was leaving a north area restaurant on April 25, 1980 at approximately 10:00 p.m. when he reached his car and opened the door he was confronted by an armed subject who demanded all his money. Deputy Luther reached for a small caliber handgun; but before he could fire, the suspect shot Deputy Luther.

Deputy Luther was able to return fire and it is believed he may have struck the suspect. Deputy Eugene Luther died at the scene.

Despite and intensive investigation, no one has ever been prosecuted for the murder of Deputy Luther.

Deputy Eugene Luther is buried at the Odd Fellows Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum on Riverside Boulevard.