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Brian Heywood Chappell
Incident
Police Officer Brian Chappell was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on Malverne Road, near the intersection with South Dixie Highway, during a speed enforcement assignment. As Officer Chappell approached the vehicle the driver leaned out and fired a single shot which struck him in the heart. He was able to call for assistance before succumbing to his injuries. The suspect was apprehended two days later. He was convicted of murder and subsequently sentenced to death. Officer Chappell had left his vest in his locker due to the excessive heat. Officer Chappell had served with the West Palm Beach Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents, three brothers, and sister.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Chappell gave the West Palm Beach Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the West Palm Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Chappell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
West Palm Beach Police Department has lost 13 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Brian is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.2% of the 1,007 remembered there.
Brian is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Brian is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1988, 1 officer at West Palm Beach Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1967, with 2.
In 1988, 10 officers in FL were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Brian was 31. Of the 5 killed feloniously at West Palm Beach Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 54; the middle age was 34. Brian had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Brian was 31. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. Brian had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Brian was 31. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Brian had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Brian was 31. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Brian had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 40% of these deaths at West Palm Beach Police Department; April holds the most, 40%. Mondays: 20%.
August holds 9.7% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Mondays: 10.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 38.5% of all 13 deaths at West Palm Beach Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.2% of all 1,007 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
West Palm Beach Police Department has 13 officers remembered here, Brian among them.
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William Morgan Payton
Feb 9, 1924
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Jack Grace Wadlington
Mar 31, 1935
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Lewis Allen Conner
Aug 7, 1937
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Festus Alvah Tatum, Jr.
Mar 28, 1959
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Clarence Leo Wagner
Feb 10, 1967
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William Harold Fletcher
Apr 6, 1967
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David Richard Van Curler
Apr 6, 1967
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Robert Dennis Edwards
Jan 21, 1984
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Brian Heywood Chappell
Aug 22, 1988
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Thomas Joseph Morash
Oct 17, 2003
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Robert Alan Williams
Aug 16, 2021
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Anthony Christopher Testa
Sep 25, 2021
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Jeremy Boykins
Sep 10, 2024
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 18-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from West Palm Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
