In a tragic turn of events, Officer J. O. Hammett, a 40-year-old male, was killed in the line of duty in Childersburg, Alabama. He and a fellow officer, G.A. DeLoach, were at a local restaurant when the proprietor became enraged. The catalyst for the confrontation was Officer DeLoach's warning to one of the restaurant's customers, advising them to leave town to avoid incarceration.
The proprietor, angered by the officer's interaction with his customer, opened fire on both officers.
The sudden and violent outburst resulted in the deaths of both Officer Hammett and Officer DeLoach. Shortly after the shooting, the suspect surrendered to the local sheriff.
The individual responsible for the deaths of the two officers was subsequently charged with two counts of murder. In the trial for the murder of Officer Hammett, the suspect was ultimately convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter. A sentence of 9 years and 11 months in prison was handed down for the killing. Officer Hammett was survived by his wife and five children.
