Indianapolis Police Department, Indiana
End of Watch: Tuesday, October 12, 1965
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 9 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 12, 1965
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Thomas Graham was shot and killed with his own service weapon after a burglary suspect gained control of his revolver.
While the prisoner was in the basement of police headquarters, a struggle ensued between the two when Officer Graham was shot in the head. He was transported to General Hospital where he died from his wound nearly three hours later.
The suspect, 28, fled the scene but was apprehended two days later after police received a tip on where he was hiding. He was committed at Beatty Mental Hospital. In 1969 he was deemed fit to stand trial, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life. In 1972 he received a new trial and was again sentenced to life. In 1986 he had a parole hearing. The outcome is unknown.
Officer Graham had served with the Indianapolis Police Department for nine years. He was a US Navy veteran of World War II and the recipient of the Victory Medal and five Bronze Stars. Officer Graham was survived by his wife.