Attalla Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch: Saturday, February 22, 1975
Age: 36
Tour of Duty: 6 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 22, 1975
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Died in prison
Patrolman Irvin Starling was shot and killed during a traffic stop of a man who had just beaten his wife moments earlier. As he approached the driver's window the suspect shot him twice before fleeing. The suspect was apprehended a short distance away.
The suspect, 49, was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison on May 21, 2017.
Patrolman Starling had served with the Attalla Police Department for six months. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.