In the early morning hours of April 21, 1951, a day that would end in tragedy, Santford R. Howton, the 61-year-old Chief of Police for the town of Graysville, Alabama, was carrying out his duties. Alongside Constable Sam Linn, he went to a residence in Alden, Jefferson County, to address a reported crap game. The two officers, acting within their jurisdiction, arrived at the home around 5:30 A.M. to find a number of men engaged in the illegal gambling activity.
Upon entering the house, with Officer Howton at the rear and Constable Linn at the front, they proceeded to arrest the participants. The process was reportedly peaceful, with the officers not drawing their weapons or mistreating anyone. Several of the men, including the home's resident, were allowed to sign appearance bonds. As the officers were completing the necessary paperwork, the resident of the house made a trip to his car, moving some clothes before returning inside.
After concluding their business, both officers exited through the back door. In a sudden and violent turn of events, as Constable Linn walked across the yard, he was shot twice and fatally wounded. The assailant then moved to the kitchen window and fired upon Officer Howton, who was walking past. Chief Howton was also fatally wounded and, like his colleague, never regained consciousness. The shooter immediately fled the scene in his car.
The suspect was apprehended later that same day around 11 A.M. near Bessemer. He was subsequently indicted for murder in the first degree. At his trial, he entered pleas of 'not guilty' and 'not guilty by reason of insanity.' The jury, however, found him guilty of murder in the first degree, and he was sentenced to the death penalty.
