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Incident
Sheriff Samuel Graham and Deputy Sheriff Albert Kelly were shot and killed by an inmate in the county jail at about 10:00 pm. The inmate had obtained a handgun when it was smuggled to him in a box of candy. As Deputy Kelly placed inmates into cells the prisoner grabbed him and pulled him against the bars. After forcing Deputy Kelly to open the out cell doors the man fatally shot him. Sheriff Graham, who lived in an apartment in the jail, was alerted to the escape and came to investigate. As he did so he was also shot and killed by the prisoner. The man fled the jail but was apprehended the next morning in Dover, Delaware. A man, 21, and a woman, 19, were arrested and charged with aiding and abetting in a murder after it was discovered they smuggled in the pistol. The killer, 21, was convicted of both murders and sentenced to two life terms in jail. He died in prison in 2008. The woman, the killer's girlfriend, after spending 21 months in jail, was convicted of aiding and abetting in an escape, sentenced to time served, and sentenced to five years probation. Sheriff Graham had served with the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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.
Sheriff Graham gave the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Salisbury community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Graham.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Samuel is one of 195 officers killed feloniously in MD, 51.6% of the 378 remembered there.
Samuel is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Samuel is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1968, 5 officers in MD were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 104 years on record. The heaviest was 2000, with 6.
In 1968, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1968, 91 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 73rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Samuel was 62. Of the 178 killed feloniously in MD whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43.8; the middle age was 35. Samuel had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Samuel was 62. 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. Samuel had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Samuel was 62. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Samuel had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.2% of these deaths in MD; June holds the most, 11.8%. Sundays: 11.8%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Wicomico County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.6% of all 378 deaths in MD, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.7% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Samuel among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 39-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Wicomico County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
