Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Joe Morton was shot and killed after being confronted by two known moonshiners. The suspects, brothers 14 and 18, had approached him and asked if he had a warrant for their arrest. When Deputy Morton responded that he did not, they assaulted him.
A struggle ensued in which the older brother pulled a gun and fatally shot Deputy Morton three times. He was convicted of murder and executed by hanging on September 1, 1922. His brother was sentenced to life but paroled on April 15, 1933.
Deputy Morton was survived by his wife and eight children.
Survivors
Deputy Morton was survived by his wife and eight children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-50F1B5AB- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Joseph. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Morton served with the Walker County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Lafayette community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Morton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Joseph Washington Morton 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 GA, 549 of 905 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 60.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Walker County Sheriff's Office, 6 of 9 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. Joseph Washington Morton's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Washington Morton Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Washington Morton is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Washington Morton was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Walker County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
