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Incident
Marshal Thomas Smith was shot and killed, and his body mutilated while he and a deputy attempted to serve a warrant. During the incident, a shootout ensued, and Marshal Smith was wounded. The deputy then fled the area. The suspect, who remained at the scene, then decapitated Marshal Smith with an axe. Two suspects were arrested in connection with Marshal Smith's murder; one suspect was sentenced to 12 years in the state penitentiary, the other suspect was sentenced to 16 years in state penitentiary. Marshal Smith had been with the Abilene Police Department for one year and also held a commission as a United States Marshal; he had previously served with the New York City Police, Kit Carson Police in Colorado, as City Marshall of Bear River, Wyoming, and as a law agent for the Union Pacific Kansas Railroad line. He is buried in Abilene Cemetery, Abilene, Kansas.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
156 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
City Marshal Smith gave the Abilene Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Abilene community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Abilene Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Thomas is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Thomas is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1870, 2 officers in KS were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 1870, 31 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 155th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1870, 31 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 157th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Thomas was 40. Of the 211 killed feloniously in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. Thomas had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Thomas was 40. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Thomas was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Thomas had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 9.7% of these deaths in KS; July holds the most, 11.4%. Wednesdays: 13.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Abilene Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 32.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Abilene Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Thomas among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Abilene Police Department are honored on badge.nw.