In the line of duty, Police Officer Henry Heard, a 27-year-old male, lost his life in Dora, Alabama, on October 20, 1923. The fatal encounter occurred when Officer Heard, along with his partner and a civilian volunteer, went to investigate a man suspected of bootlegging. The civilian had claimed the suspect was selling alcohol to his brother and offered to attempt a purchase to facilitate an arrest.
Officer Heard, dressed in plain clothes, accompanied the civilian to the back door of the suspect's house while his partner positioned himself at the front. When the suspect answered the door, an exchange of gunfire erupted between him and Officer Heard. Officer Heard was killed instantly, and the suspect was wounded in the shootout.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Officer Heard's partner ran toward the back of the home upon hearing the shots, but the suspect managed to flee the scene. A manhunt ensued, leading to the eventual capture of the shooter. Following his arrest, he was charged with the murder of Officer Heard.
During the investigation, the suspect confessed to the killing. He claimed that he had mistaken Officer Heard for one of a group of men who had attacked him earlier that day. Despite his explanation, he was ultimately sentenced to life in prison for the murder of the young officer.
