Donald W Gaskin

End of Watch: Tuesday, December 30, 1969

Biographical Info

Age: 31

Tour of Duty: 6 years

Rank: Detective

Assignment: CIS

Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire

Date of Incident: December 30, 1969

Incident Location: 3200 block of Osage Avenue

Weapon Used: Handgun, .45 caliber

Case Status: Closed

Donald Gaskin

Narrative

Patrolman Donald Gaskin and Detective James Ratliff were shot and killed when they responded to a robbery call at a local grocery store at 2328 Osage Avenue.

Two (2) suspects were inside the store when Patrolman Gaskin arrived at the scene. The suspect ordered the store clerk to open the door, and as Patrolman Gaskin entered, he was shot by the suspect.

Detective Ratliff and his partner arrived just as Patrolman Gaskin was shot. As the detectives ran for cover, another shot was fired and struck Detective Ratliff.

During an ensuing shootout, two (2) other officers and the two (2) suspects were wounded. Patrolman Gaskin succumbed to his wounds before reaching the hospital. Detective Ratliff succumbed to his injuries approximately five (5) hours later during surgery.

Both suspects were convicted of both murders and sentenced to death. Their sentenced were later commuted to life.

Patrolman Gaskin was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and had served with the Louisville Police Department for six (6) years.

To support the men and women of the LMPD, visit the Louisville Metro Police Foundation website to find out more.