Incident
Marshal Wright succumbed to a gunshot wound received two months earlier while investigating an attempted robbery. He and another officer had gone to the victim's home to gather more information. While in the home the brother of the victim, who was scared because of the earlier robbery, opened fire with a rifle from a dark room. Marshal Wright was struck in the neck and paralyzed until his death two months later. Marshal Wright had served as Marshal for 5 years and had previously been a deputy sheriff for 4 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, and four daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WA-B56FADD4- 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.
Marshal Wright gave the Colville Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Colville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Wright.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Marshal John S. Wright 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%.
At Colville Police Department, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. John S. Wright's cause is highlighted.
How John S. Wright Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John S. Wright is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John S. Wright was killed by rifle.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Colville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
