Roll of Honor
Incident
Prohibition Officer Ell Watkins was shot and killed while inspecting alcohol permits at a pharmacy in Bradshaw, West Virginia.
Officer Watkins was shot in the back five times during the inspection. His 9-year-old niece was accompanying him during the inspection and witnessed his murder.
The pharmacy's owner, an employee, and the owner's brother were arrested and charged with his murder. In July 1932 the charges were nolle prossed after the presiding judge declined to continue the case at the prosecution's request.
Officer Watkins had served with the West Virginia Department of Prohibition for approximately 10 years and was one only two state prohibition officers remaining on the payroll at the time of his murder. The agency was abolished due to lack of funding later in the year.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, brother, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WV-D6009B36- 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.
Prohibition Officer Watkins gave the West Virginia Department of Prohibition 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Charleston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Prohibition Officer Watkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Prohibition Officer Ell Watkins 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 WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 18.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At West Virginia Department of Prohibition, 12 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 92.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ell Watkins's cause is highlighted.
How Ell Watkins Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murde
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ell Watkins is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ell Watkins was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from West Virginia Department of Prohibition are honored on badge.nw.
