Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective O'Cain was shot and killed as he and another officer searched for a prowler in the 1600 block of First Street. As he walked into a backyard the suspect shot him in the stomach. The suspect, 20, was arrested the next day. On April 20, 1949, he went to his death in the electric chair.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, sister, and four brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-15AF7C24- 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.
Detective O'Cain served with the Macon Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Macon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective O'Cain.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Walter L. O'Cain 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 GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Macon Police Department, 6 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter L. O'Cain's cause is highlighted.
How Walter L. O'Cain Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1949
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter L. O'Cain is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter L. O'Cain was killed by rifle; .22 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Macon Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
