Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Sam Linn and Chief of Police Santford Howton were shot and killed after they responded to investigate reports of drinking and illegal gambling in the Alden Village mining camp. The officers had arrested nine men for gambling and released them on a written promise to appear in court. As they walked back toward their car to leave one of the men they had charged opened fire on them, striking both officers in the backs of their heads. The suspect was convicted of both murders and executed on May 2, 1952.
Survivors
Constable Linn was survived by his wife, two sons, and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-B474CA52- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Linn served with the Jefferson County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Birgmingham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Linn.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Sam Dewitt Linn is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 63 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Jefferson County Constable's Office, 4 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Sam Dewitt Linn's cause is highlighted.
How Sam Dewitt Linn Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Sam Dewitt Linn is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Sam Dewitt Linn was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Jefferson County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
