On Sunday, 12 Apr 1987 Trooper David Bruce Ladner, badge K-34, was shot and killed on I-10, in Harrison County, by a suspect who turned out to be wanted in Florida. During the stop Trooper Ladner asked the driver for consent to search the vehicle. The suspect then produced a .38 caliber revolver and shot Trooper Ladner in the chest, knocking him to the ground. He shot him a second time and then stole his service weapon and patrol car. Although mortally wounded, Trooper Ladner was able to flag down a passing motorist, who transported him to a local hospital. He succumbed to his wounds two days later.The suspect was convicted of Trooper Ladner’s murder and sentenced to death. He was executed on July 17, 2002. A section of US Highway 49, in Harrison County, was dedicated in Trooper Ladner’s memory.


Submitted to FROM by:
Art Richardson, Clinton, MS