Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Charles Edwards was killed in an ambush. Deputy Edwards was returning to his home in the Tonto Creek area from Roosevelt, where he had just testified in a trial. He was ambushed approximately twelve miles north of Roosevelt. Shots were fired from a concealed spot, hitting him in the breast, arm, and side. Another shot was fired into his left eye at close range. A local rancher and his two sons were arrested during the investigation. Bad blood existed between the deputy and the family because he had previously arrested the sons. Charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Survivors
Deputy Edwards was survived by his wife and four daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AZ-5B091BB3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Edwards served with the Gila County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Globe community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Edwards.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Charles B. Edwards 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 AZ, 204 of 330 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 61.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Gila County Sheriff's Office, 6 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles B. Edwards's cause is highlighted.
How Charles B. Edwards Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles B. Edwards is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles B. Edwards was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Gila County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
