Roll of Honor
Incident
Night Marshal William Patton was shot and killed while searching for a prowler at the home of a local doctor. The prowler, wounded by Marshal Patton's return fire, was apprehended a short time later after being trailed by bloodhounds.
The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and executed in the electric chair on June 6th, 1941.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AR-7B8ADE52- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Night Marshal Patton served with the Elaine Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Elaine community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Marshal Patton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Night Marshal William H. Patton 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 AR, 249 of 372 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.9% of this state's fallen. That is 12.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Elaine Police Department, 2 of 2 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 H. Patton's cause is highlighted.
How William H. Patton Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1941
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William H. Patton is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William H. Patton was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Elaine Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
