In the autumn of 1994, a dedicated law enforcement officer, Deputy Sheriff Billy Joe Thrower, a 41-year-old male, was involved in a tragic event that would ultimately lead to his death. On November 1st of that year, Deputy Thrower, along with two other officers from the Madison County, Alabama Sheriff's Department, attempted to serve commitment papers to an individual in Huntsville.
The suspect, however, was lying in wait for the deputies, armed with a shotgun and using binoculars to anticipate their arrival.
When the officers knocked on the door and identified themselves, the suspect opened fire. The sudden and violent ambush resulted in the immediate death of Deputy Thomas Robert Lewis and left Deputy Thrower mortally wounded. Despite his severe injuries, Deputy Thrower managed to return fire, killing the suspect at the scene. His courageous actions in the face of grave danger prevented any further harm.
Following the shooting, Deputy Thrower began a long and arduous battle for his life. He underwent a kidney transplant after his failed, a direct result of the gunshot wound he sustained. Complications arose after the surgery, and he developed pneumonia. Ultimately, on September 17, 1995, nearly a year after the initial incident, a blood clot traveled to his lungs, and he succumbed to his injuries. Deputy Thrower, a 17-year veteran of the department, was survived by his wife and daughter. As the sole suspect was killed during the exchange of gunfire, no arrests were made in connection with this case.
