Patrolman William Ashby Howard

William Ashby Howard

Patrolman William Howard was shot and killed while patrolling the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad's yards in Sumter, South Carolina.

Patrolman Howard noticed a trespasser at around dusk and attempted to arrest him. The man began to run from Patrolman Howard and started firing over his shoulder. One of the rounds struck the patrolman in the chest, killing him. He then fired seven more rounds in Patrolman Howard's body, stabbed him more times than the coroner could count, and then beat his body with a blunt object.

There was a witness to the incident who knew the 30-year-old suspect. He pawned Patrolman Howard's pistol for five dollars and said he was in trouble and leaving town. A $100 reward was posted for his capture but it is not known if he was ever even seen again.

Patrolman Howard had served with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Police for two years.