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Sheriff William E. Haynes | Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, Alabama
Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, Alabama

Sheriff

William E. Haynes

Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, Alabama

End of Watch: Saturday, September 5, 1908

Biographical Info

Age: 61
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: September 5, 1908
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Found not guilty by reason of insanity

Sheriff William Haynes was shot and killed in Hayneville by a local merchant.

The suspect was quarreling with his brother when the sheriff was appealed to for protection. As he attempted to quiet the man, who was drinking, he suddenly produced a pistol and shot him.

The suspect was arrested and charged with murder. The trial drew national attention. The suspect and Sheriff Haynes came from prominent families and both were involved in all political matters which affected Lowndes County. On February 25, 1909, the suspect was found not guilty by reason of insanity. On March 30, 1909, Doctors at Tuscaloosa Insane Asylum declared the suspect sane and discharged him. He went home and was never charged with anything else relating to Sheriff Haynes' murder.