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

Alfred C. "Dick" Walden, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff 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 the 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 pulled a .32 caliber handgun and shot Deputy Walden in the back. Deputy Walden was able to return fire hitting the man four times before succumbing to his injuries. The suspect, his wife, and another female accomplice were arrested.

The man was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death after three separate trials. 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 in prison on December 12th, 1956.

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

Deputy Walden had served with the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office for four years. He was survived by his expectant wife and three children.