Incident
Deputy Sheriff Herbert Coryell was shot and killed as he and a local constable attempted to arrest a bootlegger at a still near Sandusky. The suspect shot Deputy Coryell in the head, killing him.
On April 11, 1931, the suspect pled guilty to manufacturing liquor and was sentenced to 18 months. He was acquitted of murder.
Deputy Coryell had served with the Alexander County Sheriff's Office for only three months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-C7F42AE2- 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 Herbert. 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.
Deputy Sheriff Coryell served with the Alexander County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Cairo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Coryell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Herbert Coryell 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 IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Alexander 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. Herbert Coryell's cause is highlighted.
How Herbert Coryell Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Herbert Coryell is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Alexander County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.

