Incident
Justice of the Peace Audley Galbraith was shot and killed in Acme, Washington, by two ex-convicts who had just stolen two pairs of work boots.
A citizen had informed Justice Galbraith of the theft and then accompanied him to arrest the men. When Justice Galbraith located them, he told them they were under arrest. Both men suddenly jumped up and opened fire, mortally wounding Justice Galbraith and the citizen. Despite the wound, the citizens were able to return fire and wounded one of the men while the other man fled.
The subject who was shot was sentenced to life in prison but was later pardoned.
Justice Galbraith was survived by his wife and six children.
Survivors
Justice Galbraith was survived by his wife and six children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WA-337EF3A5- 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.
Justice of the Peace Galbraith served with the Whatcom County Courts.
Thank you for your service to the Bellingham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Justice of the Peace Galbraith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Justice of the Peace Audley Anderson Galbraith 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 WA, 187 of 339 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.2% of this state's fallen. That is 1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Audley Anderson Galbraith's cause is highlighted.
How Audley Anderson Galbraith Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Audley Anderson Galbraith is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Audley Anderson Galbraith was killed by handgun.