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Incident
Constable Samuels was shot and killed after encountering one or more suspicious men next to Sophia Church at approximately 0200 hours. Constable Samuels exchanged shots with the suspect(s). The city police chief, responding to sounds of the shots, located a man lying beside Constable Samuels' roadster. The man had been shot in his hip three times and there were several bullet holes in the car. The chief could not find his constable, so he put the wounded man in his car and began to drive him to the hospital. As he was driving the suspect attacked the chief and stabbed him several times in the chest. Although wounded, the chief shot the suspect in his hand. He then managed to get the attention of a man living in a nearby house who drove them to the hospital. Constable Samuels' body was not found until the following day at approximately noon only 25 feet from his car. He had been shot in the abdomen and a leg. Two pistols and Constable Samuel's service revolver were found near the seen. All three had been fired several times. The wounded man, now the only suspect, said he had no memory of anything. He was charged with murder and the attempted murder of the chief. The investigation revealed few clues as to others who could have been involved and if the suspect was the one who shot Constable Samuels. On April 8, 1928, the suspect was still in jail awaiting trial. Even though they had all the evidence they needed that he tried to kill the chief, officials were trying to decide if the wanted to go forward with a trial or dismiss the charges. Their decision and the suspect's future is unknown.
Survivors
Constable Samuels had served as constable for only 9 months and was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Samuels served with the Raleigh County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Beckley community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Samuels.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Raleigh County Constable's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 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 1927, 7 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
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
John was 26. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. John had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
John was 26. 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. John had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 26. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.1% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Sundays: 10.7%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Raleigh County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.4% 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
Raleigh County Constable's Office has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Raleigh County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
