Roll of Honor
Incident
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.
Survivors
He was survived by his child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-3DB28E57- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
You barely got started.
Detective Schaefer gave the Louisville Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Louisville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Schaefer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective John W. Schaefer, Jr. 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 97,756 officers honored here.
In KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 76.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Louisville Police Department, 51 of 91 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 56% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John W. Schaefer, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How John W. Schaefer, Jr. Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John W. Schaefer, Jr. is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John W. Schaefer, Jr. was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
90 officers from Louisville Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
