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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Sanders was shot and killed and his brother, another deputy, was seriously wounded as they attempted to arrest a man for illegally selling whiskey at a stomp dance in Chewey, Oklahoma. Both managed to return fire hitting the suspect in the face and leg.
His brother was seriously wounded in the shootout. Six subjects were arrested after the shooting. The 53-year-old man who murdered Deputy Sanders was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. On March 13, 1923, he was pardoned by Governor John Walton.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Sanders served with the Adair County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Stilwell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Sanders.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Adair County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John 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 1915, 11 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1915, 152 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1915, 157 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 29th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
September holds 8.4% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Tuesdays: 12.7%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Adair County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 7.9% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Adair County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Adair County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
