On the night of February 11, 1976, Ray City, Georgia lost its 29-year-old police chief, James Edward ’Ed’ Giddens. He was on what was to be his last shift after having submitted his resignation. While conducting a traffic stop on a speeding car, he encountered three men who had just committed an armed robbery in nearby Adel. The suspects abducted Chief Giddens and, after driving around, forced him toward a river, telling him he would be released if he swam away.

As he entered the water one assailant shot Giddens in the back with the chief’s service weapon; the same gunman then entered the water and fired several more times, killing him. Three suspects were later arrested; the shooter was executed on May 18, 1989, and a second suspect died in prison in 1978. Giddens was survived by his wife, a son, and two daughters.

If anyone knew Chief Giddens or has information about his last hours, please share what is known.