Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Eugene Jones shot and killed by a prisoner who had been arrested for larceny in Bethel. The man had been given a bond by the village mayor and told Patrolman Jones that he had family in Robersonville who could provide it. Patrolman Jones agreed to take him to Robersonville. During the trip along the Bethel-Williamson Highway, the subject was able to gain control of Patrolman Jones' service weapon and shot him several times, leaving him on the side of the rural road. Despite being mortally wounded, Patrolman Jones was able to walk a considerable distance before collapsing and dying. His body was found on the morning of Sunday, January 20th, 1929. The man fled to New York but was apprehended several months later after returning to North Carolina. He was convicted of Patrolman Jones' murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison. After being paroled he committed a second murder in Atlanta, Georgia. He was returned to prison where he later died.
Survivors
Patrolman Jones was survived by his wife and nine children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-AECA5A02- 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.
Patrolman Jones served with the Bethel Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Bethel community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Jones.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Eugene Garland Jones 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 NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 58 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Bethel Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Eugene Garland Jones's cause is highlighted.
How Eugene Garland Jones Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Eugene Garland Jones is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Eugene Garland Jones was killed by officer's handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Bethel Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
