Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief Worley Wells succumbed to a gunshot wound inflicted five days earlier when he was shot by a suspect he had arrested a short time earlier for public drunkenness.
The suspect, and another man who had been arrested with him, were released from custody and told to go directly home. Instead, the man procured a revolver and then shot Chief Wells when he attempted to arrest him again.
A major manhunt ensued, however, the suspect eluded custody. He was arrested in Fresno, California, in August 1923 and returned to Wise County for trial. He was convicted of Chief Wells' murder and sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Chief Wells had served as police chief for 7 years and had served in law enforcement for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-F2A0B6DE- 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 Worley. 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.
Chief of Police Wells gave the Norton Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Norton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Wells.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Worley H. Wells 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 Norton Police Department, 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. Worley H. Wells's cause is highlighted.
How Worley H. Wells Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 5 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Worley H. Wells is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Worley H. Wells was killed by handgun; revolver.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Norton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
