Incident
Deputy Don Stephenson was shot and killed while working a prohibition enforcement detail with several other officers. Two other officers were wounded in the shootout. Four men were apprehended and charged with murder. Two were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. The other two were convicted of second degree murder. One was sentenced to 30 years and the other to 20 years. All four were paroled in December of 1931. One had his parole revoked in 1937. He escaped from prison four time between 1945 and 1951.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-AL-4D7BCE61- Stewardship
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- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Stephenson served with the Colbert County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Tuscumbia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Stephenson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Don Stephenson 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 AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 8.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Colbert County Sheriff's Office, 10 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Don Stephenson's cause is highlighted.
How Don Stephenson Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1931
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Don Stephenson is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Don Stephenson was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from Colbert County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.



