Sheriff Charles Albert Larew, 35, was killed while responding to a residential burglary near Caplinger Mills in the early morning hours of July 26, 1987. Larew had served 13½ years with the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office and was elected sheriff in 1984. When he turned the doorknob of the mobile home, a string-linked .30 caliber rifle rigged to the door discharged, the bullet passing through paneling and insulation and striking him in the head, killing him instantly.

Investigators determined the device had been set by the mobile home’s residents, brothers Shelby Debler, 32, and Brent Debler. Authorities said the brothers intended the mechanism to implicate a third party and reportedly believed the rifle would miss anyone at the door. Both were arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Brent Debler was later sentenced to life in prison; Shelby Debler’s death sentence was vacated on appeal and he was resentenced to life without parole. Sheriff Larew was survived by his wife, Ruby, and buried in Humansville Cemetery.

If anyone knew Sheriff Larew, the Debler brothers, or was in the Caplinger Mills area that night, can any details about the events leading up to the burglary be shared?