Michigan State Police, Michigan
End of Watch: Sunday, May 1, 1927
Age: 33
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 1, 1927
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Corporal Sam Mapes was shot and killed after stopping two vehicles he suspected of transporting illegal liquor. The driver of one of the vehicles offered him a bribe, which he refused. He then stopped a third motorist and asked him to call for assistance. While talking to the motorist the suspect approached him from behind, grabbed his service revolver, and shot him.
The suspect, age 40, fled but was apprehended four days later after a wild chase through the streets of Chicago. The suspect, a very wealthy Chicago bootlegger, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Corporal Mapes' murder happened during a time when when Michigan citizens were complaining bitterly because Michigan did not have the death penalty.