Alton Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Friday, October 16, 1936
Age: 66
Tour of Duty: 18 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 16, 1936
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 15 years
Officer August Mayford was shot and killed after being abducted while making his rounds.
When Officer Mayford failed to check in, officers began to search for him. His body was found in an Edwardsville cornfield 15 days later on Halloween. He had been badly beaten and shot in the back eight times while lying on the ground.
The suspects, who were part of a robbery crew, confessed to the crime years later. Around midnight on Oct. 16, Officer Mayford had interrupted a night of intended burglaries that included a jewelry store, warehouse, and the American Express office at #4 Front Street. Upon discovery by Officer Mayford who confronted the three men, the suspects beat him, knocked him unconscious, drove him to a cornfield, and shot him multiple times in the back to prevent their apprehension.
The three assailants were serving time for unrelated robberies when they confessed. One suspect died before he could be tried. Another was sentenced to 15 years for Officer Mayford's murder.
Officer Mayford had served with the Alton Police Department for 18 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.