Patrolman Irvin C. L. Starling, 36, was killed during a traffic stop in Attalla, Alabama, on Saturday, February 22, 1975. According to accounts, the driver stopped had allegedly beaten his wife shortly beforehand; when Starling approached the vehicle the man opened fire. Family corrections say Starling was struck twice, once in the hand and then in the heart. He had been with the Attalla Police Department for six months and left behind a wife and three children.

The shooter was captured a short distance from the scene. Identified in later reporting and records as James E. Gaskey, he was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

If anyone knew Officer Starling, his family, or witnessed the February 22, 1975 stop, please share what is remembered.