FA
U.S. Army · United States 
Fred Adams
1945
Fred Hardeman Adams served the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Chief of Police Fred Adams was shot and killed in the residential section of the city.
He was hailed by a cafe owner and, as he pulled over to speak to him, the man suddenly produced a pistol and shot Chief Adams without warning. The man, 52, was arrested and charged with Chief Adams' murder.
A motive could not be determined. He was convicted of murder and died in the electric chair on November 18, 1947.
On June 9, 1923, the suspect, his brother, and another man killed their cousin in Madison. His body was found a few days later near Columbia, South Carolina. All three were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On September 10, 1931, all three were pardoned by Governor Richard H. Russell Jr. The governor said only circumstantial evidence was used at their trials.
Chief Adams was a U.S. Army veteran. He was survived by his wife, son, and several siblings.
He was hailed by a cafe owner and, as he pulled over to speak to him, the man suddenly produced a pistol and shot Chief Adams without warning. The man, 52, was arrested and charged with Chief Adams' murder.
A motive could not be determined. He was convicted of murder and died in the electric chair on November 18, 1947.
On June 9, 1923, the suspect, his brother, and another man killed their cousin in Madison. His body was found a few days later near Columbia, South Carolina. All three were convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On September 10, 1931, all three were pardoned by Governor Richard H. Russell Jr. The governor said only circumstantial evidence was used at their trials.
Chief Adams was a U.S. Army veteran. He was survived by his wife, son, and several siblings.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and several siblings.
Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
Madison Police Department
Chief of Police
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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