Roll of Honor
Incident
Special Deputy Bill Yanich was killed in an automobile crash while on patrol in Indiana 10, about one-fifth mile west of Route 41, in Lake Village. He was riding in the patrol car driven by another deputy sheriff when it was struck on the passenger side by a vehicle whose driver was under the influence of alcohol. The other deputy was seriously injured. The 22-year-old driver of the other car and his 24-year-old brother were critically injured. Special Deputy Yanich was a United States Marine Corps Korean War veteran and had served with the Newton County Sheriff's Department for one year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-820D6F78- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Special Deputy Yanich gave the Newton County Sheriff's Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Kentland community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Bill John Yanich served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Special Deputy Bill John Yanich is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Newton County Sheriff's Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Bill John Yanich's cause is highlighted.
How Bill John Yanich Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Bill John Yanich is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Bill John Yanich was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Newton County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
