Roll of Honor
Incident
Lieutenant Elwood Gainor was beaten and shot to death after being abducted after making a traffic stop at the intersection of Mulberry Street and King Street. His body was found on Hook Road in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, the following day. His skull had been crushed and he had been shot in the head four times. It is believed that he was abducted and murdered by bootleggers who were operating in Lancaster. The investigation of his murder was one of the most famous, longest, and most intense in Pennsylvania's history. Three state police officers appointed to investigate his case committed suicide. Each took charge of the investigation after the other's death. Several suspects involved with the underworld were identified but later killed or eliminated as a suspect. Several officials came forward and said another chapter should be added to the story but would not talk. Lieutenant Gainor's murder remains unsolved. Lieutenant Gainor served with the Lancaster Police Department for more than five years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-PA-0C57AB07- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Lieutenant Gainor gave the Lancaster Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lancaster community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Gainor.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Lieutenant Elwood Gainor is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In PA, 597 of 1,261 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.3% of this state's fallen. That is 6.9 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Lancaster Police Department, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Elwood Gainor's cause is highlighted.
How Elwood Gainor Compares
Offender Outcome
At large
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Elwood Gainor is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Elwood Gainor was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lancaster Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
