Deputy Sheriff Alfred C. "Dick" Walden, Jr.

Alfred C. "Dick" Walden, Jr.

Deputy Dick Walden was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect wanted for murdering a railroad employee. Deputy Walden had just finished his shift and was on his way home when he was passed by a speeding vehicle. Not knowing that the driver and passengers were wanted for murder he stopped the speeding vehicle presuming the driver was intoxicated.

After speaking with the driver, Deputy Walden returned to his vehicle to radio for assistance at which time the driver of the suspect's vehicle pulled a .32 caliber handgun and shot Deputy Walden in the back. Deputy Walden was able to return fire hitting the suspect four times before succumbing to his injuries. The suspect, his wife, and another female accomplice were arrested.

The 21-year-old suspect recovered from his wounds and was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death three times. After the Georgia Supreme Court overturned his conviction the third time he was tried a fourth time, convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life on December 12, 1956.

In the murder trial of the railroad employee, the suspect was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to an additional 20 years. The suspect's 46-year-old wife was also convicted voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 15 years in prison. On December 17, 1956, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that she was convicted with insufficient evidence and ordered her release.

Deputy Walden had served with the agency for four years. He was survived by his expectant wife and three children.