Patrolman August Mayford

August Mayford

Patrolman August Mayford was shot and killed after being abducted while making his rounds.

When Patrolman Mayford failed to check in, officers began to search for him. His body was found in an Edwardsville cornfield on Halloween, 15 days later. He had been badly beaten and shot in the back eight times while lying on the ground.

The suspects, who were part of a robbery crew, confessed to the crime years later. Around midnight on October 16, Patrolman Mayford had interrupted a night of intended burglaries that included a jewelry store, warehouse, and the American Express office at 4 Front Street. When Patrolman Mayford confronted the three men, the suspects beat him, knocked him unconscious, drove him to the cornfield, and shot him multiple times in the back to prevent their apprehension.

The three assailants were serving sentences for unrelated robberies when they confessed. One suspect died before he could be tried. Another was sentenced to 15 years in prison for Patrolman Mayford's murder.

Patrolman Mayford had served with the Alton Police Department for 18 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.