Lancaster Police Department, Pennsylvania
End of Watch Monday, March 28, 1927
Add to My HeroesElwood Gainor
Lieutenant Elwood Gainor was beaten and shot to death after being abducted after making a traffic stop at the intersection of Mulberry Street and King Street.
His body was found on Hook Road in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the following day. His skull had been crushed and he had been shot in the head four times. It is believed that he was abducted and murdered by bootleggers who were operating in Lancaster.
The investigation of his murder was one of the most famous, longest, and most intense in Pennsylvania's history. Three state police officers appointed to investigate his case committed suicide. Each took charge of the investigation after the other's death. Several suspects involved with the underworld were identified but later killed or eliminated as a suspect.
Several officials came forward and said another chapter should be added to the story but would not talk. Lieutenant Gainor's murder remains unsolved.
Lieutenant Gainor served with the Lancaster Police Department for more than five years.
Bio
- Age 37
- Tour 5 years, 2 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender At large
Most Recent Reflection
View all 11 ReflectionsRest in peace.
Lt. Jim Russo
March 28, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths

Criminal Investigator Steven A. Carnes
Tom Green County District Attorney's Office, TX
EOW: November 13, 2022

Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr.
Selma Police Department, CA
EOW: January 31, 2023

Master Patrol Officer Clarence L. "CJ" Williams
Cairo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 28, 2023

Supervisory Officer Jacqueline Montanaro
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: January 14, 2023

Police Officer Carl Douglas Kimball
St. Francisville Police Department, LA
EOW: January 12, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 13, 2023

Court Services Officer Curtis Matthew Worland
Alaska State Troopers, AK
EOW: December 13, 2022

Chief of Police Justin McIntire
Brackenridge Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 2, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Isaiah Cordero
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: December 29, 2022