Roll of Honor
Brian Heywood Chappell
Incident
Police Officer Brian Chappell was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on Malverne Road, near the intersection with South Dixie Highway, during a speed enforcement assignment. As Officer Chappell approached the vehicle the driver leaned out and fired a single shot which struck him in the heart. He was able to call for assistance before succumbing to his injuries. The suspect was apprehended two days later. He was convicted of murder and subsequently sentenced to death. Officer Chappell had left his vest in his locker due to the excessive heat. Officer Chappell had served with the West Palm Beach Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents, three brothers, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-FL-06C6A749- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Brian. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Chappell gave the West Palm Beach Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the West Palm Beach community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Chappell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Brian Heywood Chappell is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 53.5 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At West Palm Beach Police Department, 5 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 38.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Brian Heywood Chappell's cause is highlighted.
How Brian Heywood Chappell Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Brian Heywood Chappell is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Brian Heywood Chappell was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from West Palm Beach Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
