Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Arthur Kelley and Deputy Sheriff Adus Windham were shot and killed from ambush by two subjects due to retaliation of an earlier traffic stop near Cedar Grove Church in Midland City at approximately 4:30 pm.
The deputies had been enforcing the local prohibition laws when they pulled a vehicle over and released the driver after no illegal liquor was found. The suspect returned to the home of his step-father and informed him what had just happened. Both of them armed themselves with a shotgun and .45 caliber handguns and returned to the area of the traffic stop. The deputies were conducting another traffic stop when they were both shot from ambush. Deputy Kelley was struck multiple times in the torso and killed instantly. He was unable to defend himself and was discovered with his duty weapon still in its holster. Deputy Windham was struck multiple times in the head and torso and suffered both shotgun and pistol wounds. He managed to fire one shot, striking the step-father in the head, causing a grazing wound.
Both subjects returned to their home nearby immediately after the shooting where they surrendered to police without incident. Both subjects were charged with first-degree murder. In February 1928, the step-father was given a life sentence. A year later he received a new trial and was sentenced to 20 years. The step-son was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Deputy Kelley was survived by his wife, five children, four brothers, and three sisters. He had deputized Deputy Windham prior to the incident.
Survivors
Deputy Kelley was survived by his wife, five children, four brothers, and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp19kr09spzgen4kh5m3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Arthur. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Kelley served with the Dale County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Ozark community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Kelley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Dale County Sheriff's Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Arthur is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Arthur is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Arthur 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 1927, 10 officers in AL were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Arthur was 31. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
Arthur 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.
Arthur was 31. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 9.9% of these deaths in AL, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Dale County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.5% 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; .45 caliber, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Dale County Sheriff's Department has 4 officers remembered here, Arthur among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Dale County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.