Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable William Shelton was shot and killed with his own gun when he got in a fight with three drunk and rowdy men he was trying to arrest who were causing a disturbance in the streets of Watauga. During the arrest one of the men shot him in the chest, killing him.
The suspect who shot Constable Shelton was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
Your heroism and service is honored today, the one hundred and eighth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05 April 17th, 2012
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-KY-20CD3FB3- Stewardship
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- 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.
Constable Shelton served with the Clinton County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Albany community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Shelton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable William Shelton 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 KY, 755 of 983 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 76.8% of this state's fallen. That is 22.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Clinton County Constable's Office, 3 of 3 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 Shelton's cause is highlighted.
How William Shelton Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Shelton is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Shelton was killed by officer's handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Clinton County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
