Athens Police Department, Alabama
End of Watch: Monday, March 24, 1941
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 20 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 24, 1941
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Paroled in 1951
Officer Bedford Brackeen was shot and killed by a suspect who approached him and his partner and began to argue with them.
The two officers were sitting in their patrol car next to the old bus stop at Clinton Street and Washington Street when the man approached them. The man began to argue with Officer Brackeen's partner about a previous incident involving the man's sister. The suspect then pulled out a revolver and opened fire on the partner. Officer Brackeen exited the patrol car and exchanged shots with the suspect. Officer Brackeen was shot three times but still attempted to chase the suspect before collapsing. The suspect was arrested near Nashville, Tennessee, two days later.
The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death June 24, 1941. On November 25, 1943, his sentence was commuted to life. He was paroled on January 14, 1951.
Officer Brackeen had served with the agency for 20 years.