Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Eli Davis was shot and killed while attempting to stop prevent several suspects as they attempted to break out an inmate of the Dixon State Hospital at 11:45 pm.
He was patrolling the perimeter of the hospital grounds when he encountered a car parked on North Britton Avenue approximately 200 yards south of the main entrance. As he stepped onto the vehicle's running board he was shot by a female occupant of the vehicle.
The woman and two male accomplices fled the area. One of the men was shot and wounded as they were taken into custody south of Hinkel a short time later. The inmate they were attempting to break out was a cousin of one of the men. All three were charged with murder.
On January 27, 1932, the woman, 26, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to one to 14 years. Charges against one of the men were dismissed. The other suspect started showing signs of insanity after several months in jail. He was committed in a state mental hospital in East Moline.
Deputy Davis had served with the Dixon State Hospital's night watchman for two years and had been deputized by the Lee County Sheriff's Office to perform his duties.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-0BE8EFA5- 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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Davis gave the Lee County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dixon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Davis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Eli Davis 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 IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Lee County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 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. Eli Davis's cause is highlighted.
How Eli Davis Compares
Offender Outcome
Arrested
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Eli Davis is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Eli Davis was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
