Layton T. Davis • Trooper – District 12 • Served - October 28, 1957 to March 18, 1976

Trooper Layton Davis was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on I-57 near Effingham.

Unbeknownst to him, the vehicle contained two escaped convicts. During the stop, one of the escapees slipped a .357 caliber revolver into his waistband. As Trooper Davis frisked him, he spotted the revolver, and a struggle ensued. The second man ran up and held Trooper Davis down as the other man shot him. Both escapees were apprehended and sentenced to 100+ years in prison. In 2020, the accomplice was released on parole. In 2022, the gunman was released on medical parole.

Trooper Davis was a United States WWII veteran and had served with the Illinois State Police for 19 years, assigned to District 12. He is survived by his wife and three children.