Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman William Sutherlin was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had shot out a street light at the intersection of Sixth and Warren streets.
The man was in a group of males who were acting disorderly at about 9:30 pm. Policeman Sutherlin and another officer responded to the gunfire and began chasing the subjects who were dispersing. When the man who had shot out the street light was being arrested, he fatally shot Policeman Sutherlin in the heart.
The 20-year-old suspect was arrested by the other officer and charged with murder. On January 15, 1924, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. In 1932 his sentenced was reduced making him eligible for parole in 1933.
Policeman Sutherlin was survived by his wife, five sons and five daughters.
Survivors
Policeman Sutherlin was survived by his wife, five sons and five daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-7779EF4E- 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.
Policeman Sutherlin served with the Mitchell Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Mitchell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Sutherlin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman William Henry Sutherlin 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 IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Mitchell Police Department, 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 Henry Sutherlin's cause is highlighted.
How William Henry Sutherlin Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Henry Sutherlin is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Henry Sutherlin was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Mitchell Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
