Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman William Barkley was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a burglary suspect.
Policeman Barkley and a security guard had positioned themselves in a local drugstore that had been burglarized several times. At approximately 2:30 am, they observed a suspect enter the store.
As they moved into position to surprise the suspect, the man saw them and immediately opened fire, striking Policeman Barkley in the stomach. In the ensuing shootout, the suspect and the guard were also wounded.
Policeman Barkley succumbed to his wounds that evening. The suspect was sentenced to death and was executed in May of 1923.
Policeman Barkley had served as the night policeman for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his daughter, two sisters, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-KY-0D81751E- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew William. 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.
Night Policeman Barkley gave the Georgetown Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Georgetown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Policeman Barkley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Night Policeman William Owens Barkley 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Georgetown 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. William Owens Barkley's cause is highlighted.
How William Owens Barkley Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Owens Barkley is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Owens Barkley was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Georgetown Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
