Jules LaDuron

Jules Fernando LaDuron (June 8, 1893 – February 14, 1980) was an American physician and professional football player. LaDuron's medical career was marked by numerous controversies. He was a doctor for 55 years, primarily in Muncie, Indiana. A World War I veteran and the son of a Belgian glassblower, LaDuron attended Muncie High School, played college football at Indiana University Bloomington, and graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. LaDuron was also an early National Football League player, then known as the American Professional Football Association, appearing in the league's second season with the Muncie Flyers in 1921. His first wife died of suicide in 1927 while he was away in Chicago, during which time he married his second wife. LaDuron was in the hospital with an eye injury in 1937 when his second wife disappeared. It was variously reported that he had an eye infection, or had his eye punctured while treating a patient. However, decades later, LaDuron said he was hit by a tree branch.

LaDuron was charged with assault and battery at least six times during his life but never convicted. In 1950, LaDuron fatally shot two brothers during a fight at his office and was charged with manslaughter. This attracted nationwide attention and reignited suspicion towards LaDuron in the disappearance of his second wife. He was found not guilty of both manslaughter charges after asserting that the brothers had tried to blackmail him. In 1969, after 17 years of no legal issues, LaDuron was arrested for selling dangerous drugs and trying to stab a police officer with a bayonet. He was once again acquitted of all charges. He was arrested for the fifth time in 1970 and convicted on a misdemeanor drug charge. His medical license was revoked in 1976 and he died four years later.