Roy Hobson Mardis, a 35-year-old Lexington-Fayette Urban County police officer and 13-year veteran, died on August 23, 1985 while assisting a multi-agency manhunt in Mercer County, Kentucky. A highly commended K-9 handler who had been named Officer of the Year in 1985 and had received 61 commendations, Mardis was tracking an escaped fugitive, Randy Haight, with his bloodhound in a dense cornfield when officers on the field perimeter opened fire as the suspect tried to break cover.

An investigation determined Mardis was struck by a bullet fired by another officer during the operation; his death was ruled a tragic accident caused by friendly fire and no charges were filed. The manhunt continued, Haight was captured, and he was later tried, convicted and sentenced to death for the Garrard County murders of Patricia Vance and David Omer. Mardis was survived by his wife and seven daughters.

Did anyone in the area have contact with Officer Mardis or information about the operation on August 23, 1985?