Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Edwards was shot and killed while attempting to serve an arrest warrant at a home in Deatsville.
When Deputy Edwards arrived at the home the wanted man stated he would shot him if he entered. As Deputy Edwards attempted to force the door open the man shot him twice with a .38 caliber pistol. The subject fled the area but was arrested the following day in Prattville. He was convicted of Deputy Edwards' murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Deputy Edwards was a Confederate Army veteran of the Civil War. He was survived by his wife. One of Deputy Edwards' grandsons was accompanying him when he was murdered.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-52E8933D- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. 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.
Deputy Sheriff Edwards served with the Elmore County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Wetumpka 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
John Perry Edwards served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff John Perry Edwards is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 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 9.1 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At Elmore County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 75% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Perry Edwards's cause is highlighted.
How John Perry Edwards Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Perry Edwards is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Perry Edwards was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Military Service
John Perry Edwards served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit John Perry Edwards’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Elmore County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
