Detective Wilbur Hayes

Detective Wilbur Hayes | Louisville Police Department, Kentucky
Louisville Police Department, Kentucky
Detective Wilbur Hayes

Louisville Police Department, Kentucky

End of Watch Sunday, May 2, 1971

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Wilbur Hayes

Patrolman Wilbur Hayes and Patrolman John Schaefer were shot and killed while checking two men in an alley at approximately 10:00 pm.

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 Hayes was a member of the U.S Army Reserves and had served with the Louisville Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

  • Age 26
  • Tour 5 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun
  • Offender Convicted of murder

burglary, plainclothes

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I rode with Wilbur when he was in Second district. He taught me much in our few times together and I was at the beginning of my career. Jack I had met but did not know him well. So long ago but seems like yesterday

Donald Howard Patrolman
Louisvolle Division of police

May 4, 2021

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