In the quiet hills of Shelby County, Alabama, a dedicated public servant, 55-year-old Deputy Sheriff Waylon W. Sewell, met a tragic and untimely end on Sunday, October 31, 1965. A five-year veteran of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Sewell was known for his commitment to the safety of his community. His life was cut short while in the line of duty, leaving behind a wife and two children.
The fateful day unfolded on Double Oak Mountain Road near Birmingham when Deputy Sewell
and a fellow deputy responded to reports of a man robbing motorists. Upon their arrival, they attempted to take the suspect, who was described as mentally ill, into custody. In the ensuing confrontation, the man opened fire with a. 22 caliber handgun, fatally wounding Deputy Sewell.
In the exchange of gunfire, the second deputy returned fire, killing the suspect at the scene. The incident left the community in mourning for a man who had dedicated his life to protecting and serving the citizens of Shelby County.
