Deputy Sheriff Earl W. Truitt

Deputy Sheriff Earl W. Truitt

Walker County Sheriff's Office, Alabama

End of Watch Tuesday, May 20, 1919

Add to My Heroes

Earl W. Truitt

Deputy Sheriff Earl Truitt was shot and killed after being lured into an ambush by a family operating several stills on their property in the area of Drummond's Switch, near Empire, Alabama.

Several of the family members were to be indicted by a grand jury later in the day as the result of an investigation by Deputy Truitt in which he had discovered several stills. The head of the family lured him to the property in the morning with the ruse that they would show him the location of another still. As they walked along a field one of the man's sons shot Deputy Truitt from behind with a shotgun, killing him instantly.

The family members then buried Deputy Truitt's body in a pre-dug grave on the edge of their soybean field. They then reburied his body under a driveway several days later. One of the sons was arrested in Georgia one year later and confessed to the murder and the location of Deputy Truitt's body. His body was located. One of the sons was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. Another was acquitted. The father and the remaining son fled the area for several years and were ultimately not successfully prosecuted due to the lapse of time and missing witnesses.

Deputy Truitt was survived by his wife.

Bio

  • Age 48
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Sentenced to life

ambush, alcohol violation

Most Recent Reflection

View all 3 Reflections

To fully pay tribute to the heroes of today, we first need to remember those who came before them and who died in the line of duty for it is those heroes who were the standard bearers. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 100th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

September 6, 2019

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.