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Incident
Deputy Herbert Boelte was shot and killed while he, another deputy, and a citizen attempted to arrest a murder suspect at his home near Scottsburg.
When the men entered the home the man opened fire with a double-barrelled shotgun, instantly killing Deputy Boelte.
The man was able to escape after forcing the citizen to drive him from the scene. He was eventually apprehended after a huge manhunt. He was convicted of Deputy Boelte's murder and sentenced to death after his initial death sentence was overturned by the Virginia Supreme Court. He was executed on April 12, 1940.
Deputy Boelte had served with the Halifax County Sheriff's Office for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Boelte gave the Halifax County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Halifax community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Boelte.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Herbert is the only officer of Halifax County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Herbert is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Herbert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Herbert 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 1938, 4 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Herbert was 36. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Herbert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Herbert was 36. 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. Herbert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Herbert was 36. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Herbert had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in VA, more than any other month. Sundays: 18.6%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Halifax County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.4% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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