08/23/2026
Remebering Deputy Sheriff Merrit Deeds
On August 23, 1975, at approximately 11:45 p.m., Deputy Merrit Deeds stopped to assist what he believed was a stranded motorist along Highway 116, approximately one-quarter mile east of Highway 1 near Jenner.
The driver, John Robert Shirey, was a wanted parolee who had previously served time in state prison for child molestation. Shirey had pulled over with two 15-year-old hitchhikers he and two male companions had picked up earlier.
After obtaining Shireyâs driverâs license, Deputy Deeds walked back to his patrol car to check for warrants, unaware of the danger. Fearing he would return to prison, Shirey ordered a companion to hand him a Walther PPK semi-automatic pistol from the glove compartment and announced he was going to âoff this pig.â
The two boys escaped from the vehicle and ran into a field, warning Deputy Deeds that the suspects had a gun. Shirey then forced Deputy Deeds toward the back of the vehicle.
Rex Nance, an off-duty reserve deputy sheriff, drove by, saw what was happening and stopped to help. As Nance approached, Shirey shot Deputy Deeds in the face, then shot Nance numerous times before firing a final shot into Deputy Deedsâ neck. Shirey took Deputy Deedsâ revolver, and the suspects fled.
Despite his injuries, Reserve Deputy Nance reached the patrol car and radioed for help, providing the suspectsâ last known direction of travel. All three suspects were arrested later that night on Barnett Valley Road, south of Bodega Highway, between Freestone and Sebastopol.
Shirey was convicted of first-degree murder of a peace officer and sentenced to life in prison. His accomplices were convicted as accessories to murder and received lesser sentences.
Deputy Deeds had been with the Sheriffâs Office for just three months. He previously served three years as an Alaska State Trooper and, while attending Santa Rosa Junior College, served as captain of the campus police. A scholarship was later established in his name for criminal justice students. Deputy Deeds is buried at Shiloh Cemetery in Windsor.
