Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff William Haynes was shot and killed in Hayneville by a local merchant.
The suspect was quarreling with his brother when the sheriff was appealed to for protection. As he attempted to quiet the man, who was drinking, he suddenly produced a pistol and shot him.
The suspect was arrested and charged with murder. The trial drew national attention. The suspect and Sheriff Haynes came from prominent families and both were involved in all political matters which affected Lowndes County. On February 25, 1909, the suspect was found not guilty by reason of insanity. On March 30, 1909, Doctors at Tuscaloosa Insane Asylum declared the suspect sane and discharged him. He went home and was never charged with anything else relating to Sheriff Haynes' murder.
Rest in peace always knowing that no passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo Delaware State Police (Retired) September 5th, 2020
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Sheriff Haynes served with the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hayneville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Haynes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff William E. Haynes 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 Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, 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 E. Haynes's cause is highlighted.
How William E. Haynes Compares
Offender Outcome
Found not guilty by reason of insanity
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William E. Haynes is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William E. Haynes was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lowndes County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
