Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Sanders was shot and killed and his brother, another deputy, was seriously wounded as they attempted to arrest a man for illegally selling whiskey at a stomp dance in Chewey, Oklahoma. Both managed to return fire hitting the suspect in the face and leg.
His brother was seriously wounded in the shootout. Six subjects were arrested after the shooting. The 53-year-old man who murdered Deputy Sanders was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison. On March 13, 1923, he was pardoned by Governor John Walton.
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BO-US-OK-F69AD8AB- 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 Sanders served with the Adair County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Stilwell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Sanders.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff John Sanders 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 OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 15 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Adair County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 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. John Sanders's cause is highlighted.
How John Sanders Compares
Offender Outcome
Pardoned in 1923
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Sanders is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Sanders was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Adair County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
