Roll of Honor
Incident
Inspector J.C. Shelhorse was shot and killed in Alexandria, Virginia, as he and two other inspectors were searching for illegal whiskey at 1910 hours. The inspectors had boarded Southern Railway passenger train Number 31 at Union Station in Washington, DC. When the train crossed into Virginia the officers, armed with a warrant, began a search of the train. When the agents attempted to talk to a man they suspected of having liquor the man fled from his seat into a baggage car. A struggle ensued and the man produced a gun. One of the inspectors was able to disarm him and gave the gun to a second inspector. The men continued to struggle and the suspect was able to regain control of the pistol. As Inspector Shelhorse entered the baggage car the suspect fired a shot and struck him in the neck. The suspect jumped from the train as it pulled into the passenger station in Alexandria and attempted to run but was caught by the two other inspectors and a soldier. Inspector Shelhorse was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his wound at approximately 1955 hours. In August 1918, the man who murdered him was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Survivors
Inspector Shelhorse was survived by his wife and several children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-4D30B22D- Stewardship
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- 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.
Inspector Shelhorse served with the Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Shelhorse.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Inspector J. C. Shelhorse 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 VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement, 8 of 8 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. J. C. Shelhorse's cause is highlighted.
How J. C. Shelhorse Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 7 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. C. Shelhorse is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. C. Shelhorse was killed by handgun; .48 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement are honored on badge.nw.
