Roll of Honor
Incident
Undersheriff Osman Steele was shot and killed while presiding over the sale of property. Undersheriff Steele, the county Sheriff, a lawyer and a town Constable were in the town of Andes, where they were attempting to sell property that had been levied. When they arrived, there were several spectators around the property and the man who once owned the property refused to allow any of the officers onto the property. As the officers attempted to settle the matter, a large group of citizens dressed as Indians appeared. The lawyer attempted to push through the group so he could enter the property in question. The Indians opened fire at the officers. Undersheriff Steele was struck three times. He died several hours later from his wounds. Several suspects were arrested and charged with Undersheriff Steele's murder. In October of 1845, two were sentenced to death, three were sentenced to life, and several others received lesser sentences. A month later the two death sentences were commuted to life.
Survivors
Undersheriff Steele was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-NY-1DBE4E1D- Stewardship
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- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
181 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Undersheriff Steele served with the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Delhi community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Undersheriff Osman N. Steele 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 NY, 754 of 2,147 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 35.1% of this state's fallen. That is 19.1 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Osman N. Steele's cause is highlighted.
How Osman N. Steele Compares
Offender Outcome
Five sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Osman N. Steele is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Osman N. Steele was killed by gun; unknown type.