​​A close-knit community rooted deep with tradition, the South Central Minnesota town of New Ulm was busy celebrating our country's independence and their strong German Heritage. One of the original settlers of that area was the Winkelmann family – and their 32 year old son Albert was the young Night Watchman that evening. While Albert had only been serving this community for less than a year, locals described him as a young man everyone was fond of - a splendid officer, always obliging, conservative, and courageous. This festive night would end with Albert being ambushed and shot in the early morning hours of July 5th. What followed was an aggressive investigation, a prominent local man charged and then acquitted for his murder, and a community reeling over the loss of a hero. ​​This episode is sponsored by our friends at Law Enforcement Labor Services, Inc. ​ Click here if you are interested learning how you can support this podcast and the National COPS organization: www.glow.fm/officerdownmemorialpodcast WARNING: Violent content may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion advised.