Roll of Honor
Incident
Night Policeman William Newberry was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for burglary.
He was checking local businesses in the early morning hours when he caught a subject leaving the backdoor of a closed store. He stopped the man who told him an accomplice was inside. A struggle ensued as Policeman Newberry started to search the man. The man was able to gain control of Policeman Newberry's service weapon and shot him before fleeing.
Policeman Newberry died from his wounds the later that night.
The subject was captured by a posse. As the sheriff and a deputy were taking him to the jail in Gainesville they were confronted by a mob who took control of the man. The man confessed to Policeman Newberry's murder and was then returned to jail by the mob. He was subsequently convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was pardoned on December 3, 1930.
Policeman Newberry had served as night policeman for Alachua for only a few weeks and also served as a deputy sheriff with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.
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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.
Night Policeman Newberry served with the Alachua Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Alachua community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Policeman Newberry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Night Policeman William Crayton Newberry 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 FL, 539 of 1,008 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53.5% of this state's fallen. That is 0.7 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William Crayton Newberry's cause is highlighted.
How William Crayton Newberry Compares
Offender Outcome
Pardoned in 1930
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Crayton Newberry is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Crayton Newberry was killed by officer's handgun.