Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable William Staggs was shot and killed in an ambush as he rode his mule on his way home from work after summoning several men for road work.
He was ambushed and shot with buckshot as he rode along a path.
Two men were charged with his murder but were acquitted at trial.
On May 5th, 1912, a man shot and mortally wounded by his brother-in-law in Bibb County told officials from his deathbed that he shot and killed Constable Staggs. He also gave information that cleared several unsolved crimes in Jefferson County.
Constable Staggs was the constable of Precinct 30 near the Bessie Mines.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-20AF7FE2- 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.
Constable Staggs served with the Jefferson County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Birgmingham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Staggs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable William Lewis Staggs 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%.
At Jefferson County Constable's Office, 4 of 4 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. William Lewis Staggs's cause is highlighted.
How William Lewis Staggs Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Lewis Staggs is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Lewis Staggs was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Jefferson County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
