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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Charles Edwards was killed in an ambush. Deputy Edwards was returning to his home in the Tonto Creek area from Roosevelt, where he had just testified in a trial. He was ambushed approximately twelve miles north of Roosevelt. Shots were fired from a concealed spot, hitting him in the breast, arm, and side. Another shot was fired into his left eye at close range. A local rancher and his two sons were arrested during the investigation. Bad blood existed between the deputy and the family because he had previously arrested the sons. Charges were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Survivors
Deputy Edwards was survived by his wife and four daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Edwards served with the Gila County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Globe community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Edwards.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Gila County Sheriff's Office has lost 8 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 204 officers killed feloniously in AZ, 61.8% of the 330 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles 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 1908, 1 officer at Gila County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1889, with 2.
In 1908, 2 officers in AZ were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 6.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 38. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Gila County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 44 and 51.5; the middle age was 47.5.
Charles was 38. Of the 186 killed feloniously in AZ whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 47; the middle age was 39.
Charles was 38. 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.
Charles was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 33.3% of these deaths at Gila County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Fridays: 33.3%.
January holds 8.8% of these deaths in AZ; May holds the most, 13.2%. Fridays: 15.2%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 8 deaths at Gila County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.8% of all 330 deaths in AZ, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 28.9% 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
Gila County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Gila County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
