In the early morning hours of April 21, 1951, in Alden, Jefferson County, Alabama, a deadly encounter unfolded that would claim the lives of two law enforcement officers. Constable Sam Linn, 61, of Graysville, and Graysville Police Chief Santford R. Howton arrived at a local residence around 5:30 A.M. to investigate a reported crap game. Both officers were acting within their police jurisdiction as they entered the home where the game was in progress.
Upon their arrival, Chief Howton, who was in uniform, entered through the back door while Constable Linn came in through the front. Inside, they found a number of men participating in the game. The officers proceeded to arrest the individuals, and several, including the homeowner, were allowed to make appearance bonds. According to accounts, the officers did not mistreat anyone present and never drew their weapons. While the bonds were being written, the homeowner was observed carrying his clothes out to his car before returning inside.
After securing the appearance bonds, both officers exited the house through the back door. As Constable Linn was walking away in the yard, the homeowner shot him twice, inflicting fatal wounds from which he never regained consciousness. The assailant then moved to the kitchen window and shot Chief Howton as he was walking past, also killing him instantly. The shooter then fled the scene in his car.
Later that same day, at approximately 11 A.M., the suspect was apprehended near Bessemer. Shortly after being taken into custody and placed in jail, he voluntarily confessed to the murders of both Constable Sam Linn and Chief Santford R. Howton. The man was subsequently indicted for murder in the first degree. He pleaded not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity. Following a trial, he was convicted of murder in the first degree and received the death penalty.
