Jailer Wesley Scott Alford, 22, was shot and killed on July 19, 1987, while working alone for the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office in Anderson, Texas. He had been with the agency about one year. The shooter was a 26-year-old inmate convicted of aggravated robbery and awaiting transfer to the state prison to begin a 10-year term; the inmate used a .25 caliber handgun in the attack.

The inmate was arrested without incident about 12 miles southeast of Anderson the next day and was later sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years. Alford was survived by his wife, parents, and brother. His death underscored the dangers faced by detention officers, even those early in their careers.

If anyone knew Jailer Alford or has information about his time at the Grimes County facility, please share what you know.