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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.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lancaster Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Elwood is one of 598 officers killed feloniously in PA, 47.4% of the 1,262 remembered there.
Elwood is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elwood is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1927, 14 officers in PA were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 152 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 16.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elwood was 37. Of the 585 killed feloniously in PA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Elwood had served 5.2 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Elwood was 37. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Elwood had served 5.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elwood was 37. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Elwood had served 5.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 9.4% of these deaths in PA; September holds the most, 10.5%. Mondays: 14.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Lancaster Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 47.4% of all 1,262 deaths in PA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 18.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Lancaster Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Elwood among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lancaster Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
