Wabash County Sheriff's Department, Illinois
End of Watch Thursday, December 20, 1906
Add to My HeroesAlexander Compton
Sheriff Alexander Compton was shot and killed by an 17-year-old youth after he arrested his father.
Sheriff Compton had arrested the suspect's father on a breach of peace warrant taken out by his ex-wife, the suspect's mother. As he was escorting his father to jail the suspect came up behind him and shot him in the head.
The suspect and his father were arrested later that night and charged with Sheriff Compton's murder. Both were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. The father was paroled on January 19, 1925. His son applied for a parole in 1927 but the outcome is unknown.
Bio
- Age 58
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Shotgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsI always say I will not apologize for what dead people did when they were alive. If ever there was a time for such an apologize, this would be it. Such a violent action reverberates through time and touches the lives of the perpetrators and the victim. The shooter is a 2nd cousin twice removed as I have found through researching my family. I am sorry for the pain of the Compton family and those who knew Sheriff and his descendants who heard the story. I always support the Blues and pay my respects now for the fallen. I am glad you have this reflections page.
Starlene R Johnson
December 10, 2020
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