Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Harry Stabler was stabbed to death while making an arrest. The wound was inflicted by an ice pick which penetrated the heart. The suspect was resisting arrest when he made the attack upon the officer. Office Stabler was transported to Tri-County Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. The 37-year-old suspect was apprehended three weeks later in New York. On May 23, 1944, he was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life.
Survivors
Officer Stabler was survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-425BDA0B- 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.
Police Officer Stabler served with the St. Matthews Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the St. Matthews community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Stabler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Harry Clifton Stabler 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 SC, 271 of 438 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.9% of this state's fallen. That is 7.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At St. Matthews Police Dept., 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Harry Clifton Stabler's cause is highlighted.
How Harry Clifton Stabler Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Harry Clifton Stabler is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Harry Clifton Stabler was killed by edged weapon; ice pick.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from St. Matthews Police Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
