Patrolman
Walter Scott Lanfair
Terre Haute Police Department
Friday, August 3, 1934

Age: 45
Served: 11 years
Badge #:
Panel 52W, Line 4
Panel L9, Line 1

Incident Details

Cause of Death:
Gunfire
Date/Time of Incident:
Friday, August 3, 1934
04:00 am
Incident to Death Duration:
Same day
Incident Location:
45 Barton Avenue, Terre Haute
Incident County:
Vigo
Incident Township:
Harrison
Weapon Used:
.45-caliber handgun
Suspect Disposition:
Executed in 1936
Burial Place:
Highland Lawn Cemetery,
Terre Haute

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   Patrolman Walter Lanfair was shot and killed while investigating a burglary in progress.

   When he and other officers arrived, Patrolman Lanfair went to the back of the residence and was shot in the head by a male subject.

   The 34-year-old suspect, who had escaped from a Texas prison while serving a 45-year sentence for burglary, fled the scene. He traveled to Tennessee before returning to Texas where he was arrested.

   The suspect was extradited, convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. On April 17, 1936, he was executed by electrocution at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.

   Patrolman Lanfair was survived by his wife and daughter.



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Patrolman Walter Scott Lanfair - Terre Haute Police Department - INLEM.org