Patrolman Houser was shot and killed while off duty when three robbery suspects discovered his badge and gun. Patrolman Houser was in a local bar when three armed men entered and announced a robbery. While taking the belongings from the occupants they discovered that Patrolman Houser was a police officer and immediately shot him. The suspects also shot and killed the bar owner.
In July of 1970 two suspects were arrested after officers stopped them for a traffic violation and found Patrolman Houser's service revolver in their car. The third suspect was arrested a few days later. Two suspects were convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to life in February of 1971. One died in prison March 12, 1987.
