ISP Remember Versailles Trooper Killed in the Line of Duty

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 10:28 AM

By Indiana State Police, news release

It was 58 years ago today when Trooper William Rayner lost his life.

(Versailles, Ind.) - Today, we remember Trooper William R. Rayner, ISP-Versailles District, who was killed in the line of duty 58 years ago.

Trooper William Rayner was shot and killed after he and a Deputy stopped a vehicle at 3:00 am on Interstate 74 east of Greensburg in Decatur County.

The officers were unaware that the car was stolen and that its occupants were parolees away without leave from a state detention home in Louisville, Kentucky, when they began to question them. As they asked the men to exit the vehicle, one of the passengers grabbed Trooper Rayner and opened fire, killing him. The Deputy was able to return fire and kill one of the suspects. The other suspect was captured sometime later after an extensive manhunt.

We will always remember.

More from Local News

Events

Lower Dillsboro Road Opening Today

Signs will be removed next week. 

Genesis: Pathways to Success Says Farewell to Summer Interns

These interns assisted with the marketing, development, and implementation of Genesis’ summer programming.

Health Officials Urge Precautions as West Nile Virus Detected in Dearborn Co.

Two samples of mosquitoes collected were found to have West Nile Virus.

Local Sports Report - August 16, 2025

The first full weekend of the 2025 fall sports season.

2025 Team Preview: East Central Set for Year Two in Class 5A

The Trojans won their first 5A sectional championship last season.

South Dearborn Announces New Baseball Head Coach

A recommendation has been made to the board to hire Jeremy Martin.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Collin Raye - That's My Story

Blake Shelton I'll Just Hold On 10:35
Tanya Tucker Some Kind of Trouble 10:31
Ernest Would If I Could 10:26
Jon Pardi Honkytonk Hollywood 10:22