Trooper Billy M. Langham
Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Highway Patrol
Mississippi
End of Watch: Thursday, December 31, 1981

Biographical Info
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 8 years
Badge Number: J-52

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Thursday, December 31, 1981
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life

Trooper Langham was shot and killed after stopping a speeding motorist on Highway 49 near Collins, Mississippi. The vehicle was occupied by five male subjects. Trooper Langham noticed a butcher knife on the front seat and removed the front seat occupant from the vehicle for searching. He also removed the knife and placed it on the top of his cruiser. As he was bent over searching the car the subject he removed grabbed the knife from the cruiser and began stabbing him in the back.

He attempted to draw his weapon but was overpowered and shot several times with it, fatally wounding him. The suspects fled but were followed by witnesses to the accident and ultimately captured. The suspects were sentenced to life in prison.

Trooper Langham had been with the agency for 8 years. He was survived by his wife and children.

A section of US Highway 49, in Collins, was dedicated in Trooper Langham's memory.