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Incident
Chief Souter was shot and killed while transporting a 17 year old boy he had arrested for shoplifting to jail. The suspect grabbed the chiefs service revolver and shot him once, killing him instantly. Officers captured the suspect in a swamp near Ellaville the next day. The suspect was convicted of Chief Souter's murder. He was executed in the electric chair on January 21, 1935.
Survivors
Chief Souter is survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Chief of Police Souter served with the Ellaville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Ellaville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Souter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Ellaville Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Wilbur is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Wilbur is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Wilbur 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 1934, 4 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1934, 178 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1934, 179 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Wilbur was 41. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
Wilbur was 41. 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.
Wilbur was 41. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.6% of these deaths in GA, more than any other month. Mondays: 12.6%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Ellaville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.7% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Ellaville Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Wilbur among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Ellaville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.