Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Burleson was shot and killed while investigating a possible illegal moonshine still near the North Carolina - Tennessee border.
While attempting to locate the source of the wood smoke, Deputy Burleson was either ambushed or stumbled across the suspect(s) and was shot once in the abdomen. A guide ran for help, but due to the remote location, a rescue was delayed. Deputy Burleson was taken to his cousin's home, where he succumbed to his wound six hours later.
The suspect(s) were never identified or apprehended, and the case remains open.
Deputy Burleson had served with the Avery County Sheriff's Office for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-32B2B92C- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Burleson gave the Avery County Sheriff's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Burleson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff William Burleson 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 NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 3.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Avery County Sheriff's Office, 5 of 5 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 Burleson's cause is highlighted.
How William Burleson Compares
Offender Outcome
Never identified
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Burleson is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Burleson was killed by handgun; pistol.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Avery County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
