Custer Police Department, South Dakota
End of Watch: Tuesday, June 13, 1972
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 13, 1972
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer James Sawyer was shot and killed when he interrupted a burglary in progress at a local saloon. The suspects were able to take Officer Sawyer hostage. They then took him to a nearby hillside where they shot and killed him with execution style with his own weapon.
The suspect was convicted of Officer Sawyer's murder and sentenced to life without parole.
Officer Sawyer had served with the Custer Police Department for 2 years.