Captain William Henry Beard, 63, was killed on August 19, 1977, while on duty with the Oxford Police Department. A 16-year veteran of the department, Beard was transporting a prisoner, Billy King Odoms, when the man complained that his handcuffs were too tight. The wound was fatal; Beard was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.

Odoms was arrested and charged with capital murder following the shooting. Reports say he was tried, convicted of the capital offense, and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

If anyone knew Captain Beard or has information about his final assignment or the transport that day, please share what you know.