Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff W. Austin Goodman was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for writing bad checks in the Folly Farm area. He met with the man on the border of Harney County and Malheur County and informed him he was under arrest. The subject pretended to comply with the arrest and said he had to get his coat. He walked to his horse but suddenly grabbed his rifle and shot Sheriff Goodman several times. The man fled but was later apprehended by a posse led by Sheriff Goodman's son. He was convicted of Sheriff Goodman's murder, sentenced to death, and hanged on April 16th, 1926. Sheriff Goodman had served as sheriff for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OR-231EDD7C- 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 William. 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.
Sheriff Goodman gave the Harney County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Burns community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Goodman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff William Austin Goodman 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 OR, 115 of 197 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.4% of this state's fallen. That is 4.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Harney County Sheriff'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 Austin Goodman's cause is highlighted.
How William Austin Goodman Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1926
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Austin Goodman is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Austin Goodman was killed by rifle; .30-.30.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Harney County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
