Little Rock Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch Thursday, July 26, 1923
Add to My HeroesLuther C. Hay
Detective Sergeant Hay and Detective Sergeant George Moore were shot and killed as they investigated a dice game and other illegal gambling activities at 1005 Chester Street in Little Rock.
As the two officers approached the home, three men opened fire on them without warning, striking Sergeant Moore in the head three times, killing him instantly. Sergeant Hay was shot six times and succumbed to his injuries two days later. All three suspects were taken into custody a short time later.
The three suspects were convicted of Detective Hay's murder and sentenced to death on September 20, 1923. On February 1, 1924, the three suspects kidnaped the warden at the Arkansas State Prison and escaped. They forced the warden to give them his vehicle and then released him five miles from the prison. Five days later, two of the suspects were shot and killed, and the third one was wounded in a gunfight with a posse near Redfield, Arkansas. The third suspect was executed in the electric chair on April 18, 1924.
One of the suspects in the murders was wanted in connection with the 1922 murder of Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, Sheriff's Deputy John Lung.
Detective Sergeant Hay had served with the Little Rock Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife, parents, and brother.
Bio
- Age 38
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Tuesday, July 24, 1923
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Two shot and killed; One executed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 6 ReflectionsDet. Sgt. Hay,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Little Rock.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
July 26, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024