Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable William Russell succumbed to injuries sustained when he was struck on the head by a woman wielding an axe, while attempting to serve court papers. The court papers were the result of the woman failing to pay for furniture.
The 33-year-old woman was charged with Constable Russell's murder and sentenced to life in prison. She died in prison on April 18, 1905, from tuberculosis.
Constable Russell was a veteran of the Army of the Confederate States of America and served in the Civil War. He had previously served as a deputy for the Madison County Sheriff's Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-B6E1754E- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Constable Russell served with the Madison Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Madison community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
William A. Russell, Jr. served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Constable William A. Russell, Jr. 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 AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 8.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William A. Russell, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How William A. Russell, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William A. Russell, Jr. is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William A. Russell, Jr. was killed by edged weapon; axe.