Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Frank Hamilton was shot and killed by a man who had threatened him.
Deputy Hamilton had greeted the man who responded with a racial epithet. After exchanging words Deputy Hamilton left the business he was checking on. The suspect also left, retrieved a revolver, and went in search of Deputy Hamilton. The man located Deputy Hamilton in an alleyway and opened fire. His first shot hit and killed an innocent bystander. Two more shots hit Deputy Hamilton who succumbed to the wounds the following day.
The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder on June 11, 1895, and sentenced to hang. One year later the California Supreme Court awarded him a new trial. In July of 1896, he was again found guilty of murder and sentenced to 60 years in prison. He was paroled on July 30, 1910.
Deputy Hamilton had served with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department for only four months.
This day marks 163 years since your birth. Although you left us so long ago you have not and will never be forgotten. It took many years for your service and sacrifice to be discovered and acknowledged. now you can be assured your memory will live on forever. Rest in peace Special Deputy Hamilton.
Elizabeth Widow of Deputy Michael Haugen. Riverside County Sheriffs Department November 5th, 2024
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
131 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Hamilton served with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Riverside community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Frank Hamilton 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 53 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Riverside County Sheriff's Department, 12 of 27 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 44.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frank Hamilton's cause is highlighted.
How Frank Hamilton Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frank Hamilton is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frank Hamilton was killed by handgun; .44 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
26 officers from Riverside County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
