Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Ledbetter was killed by the leader of a disorderly group that he was attempting to disperse while walking his beat on Smelter Hill. When Patrolman Ledbetter attempted to arrest members of the group for refusing to leave, the suspect struck Patrolman Ledbetter over the head with a rock. Patrolman Ledbetter died three days later from his injury. The suspect had never been identified or apprehended, but years later a town resident confessed to the murder while on his deathbed.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-550B4E87- 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 John. 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.
Patrolman Ledbetter served with the Joplin Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Joplin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Ledbetter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John Ledbetter 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 MO, 516 of 813 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.5% of this state's fallen. That is 9.3 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Joplin Police Department, 17 of 21 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 81% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John Ledbetter's cause is highlighted.
How John Ledbetter Compares
Offender Outcome
Never apprehended
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Ledbetter is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Ledbetter was killed by blunt object; rock.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
20 officers from Joplin Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
