Detective John W. Schaefer, Jr.

John W. Schaefer, Jr.

Detective John Schaefer and Detective Wilbur Hayes were shot and killed while checking two men in an alley at approximately 10:00 pm, on Waterbury Street near Breckinridge Street.

As the officers attempted to arrest the men for burglary of a roofing company one of them produced a gun and opened fire, striking both officers from behind.

Both subjects were apprehended three days later and subsequently convicted of two counts of murder October 29th, 1971.

Patrolman Schaefer had served with the Louisville Police Department for 18 months. He was survived by his child.