Illinois State Police, Illinois
End of Watch Thursday, March 18, 1976
Add to My HeroesLayton T. Davis
Trooper Layton Davis was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on I-57 near Effingham.
Unbeknownst to him, the vehicle contained two escaped convicts. During the stop, one of the escapees slipped a .357 caliber revolver into his waistband. As Trooper Davis frisked him, he spotted the revolver, and a struggle ensued. The second man ran up and held Trooper Davis down as the other man shot him. Both escapees were apprehended and sentenced to 100+ years in prison. In 2020, the accomplice was released on parole. In 2022, the gunman was released on medical parole.
Trooper Davis was a United States WWII veteran and had served with the Illinois State Police for 19 years, assigned to District 12. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 50
- Tour 19 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .357 caliber
- Offender Sentenced to 100+ years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 21 ReflectionsI was a young child and my brothers knew the family. I was very sad and when I read about Dispatcher Archie Varnem was the one that caught Chicago's slip up, a lot of old memories came back to me. I am so sad that they paroled on of his killers this week.
USA Sgt Todd Fred
Friend
August 27, 2020