Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Morris Taylor was shot and killed after responding to a report involving a man performing lewd acts at a motel on Bear Creek Road in Curtin, Oregon at approximately 7:40 am.
After making initial contact with the suspect, Deputy Taylor returned to his patrol car to await assistance. When another deputy arrived, they both approached the motel room where the suspect was located. The suspect opened fire on them with a rifle, fatally wounding Deputy Taylor. Deputy Taylor was wearing his vest at the time but was shot in the head. Deputies returned the gunfire and killed the suspect.
Deputy Taylor had served with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for three years and previously served in law enforcement an additional 11 years with two other agencies.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, parents, and sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OR-8A822F1F- 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 Taylor gave the Douglas County Sheriff's Office 14 years.
Thank you for your service to the Roseburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Taylor.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Morris L. Taylor 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 Douglas County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Morris L. Taylor's cause is highlighted.
How Morris L. Taylor Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Morris L. Taylor is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Morris L. Taylor was killed by rifle.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Douglas County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
