Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable William Kelley and Deputy Constable Jacob Helbert were shot and killed in Mohicanville as they attempted to serve a warrant of habeas corpus on five men who had taken custody of their elderly father during a family dispute regarding his wealth.
Both officers were fatally shot as they entered a residence where the men were located. All five were arrested and charged with two counts of murder.
The shooter, who claimed self-defense, was tried and acquitted. Charges were dismissed against the other four.
Constable Kelley was a Civil War veteran.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OH-91767F77- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Constable Kelley served with the Ashland County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Ashland community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
William H. Kelley served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Constable William H. Kelley 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 OH, 572 of 991 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.7% of this state's fallen. That is 3.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Ashland County Constable's Office, 2 of 2 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 H. Kelley's cause is highlighted.
How William H. Kelley Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William H. Kelley is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Ashland County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
