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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Hathaway was shot and killed as he and three other officers served a warrant on a man wanted for stealing fruit. The officers had gone to the man's home, approximately two miles southwest of Mayflower, to arrest him. When they arrived at the cabin other members of the man's family opened fire on the officers, striking Deputy Hathaway in the shoulder and another deputy in the leg. The officers returned fire, killing one family member and wounding two others. Deputy Hathaway was taken to the county hospital where he succumbed to his wound several hours later. The surviving family members were arrested and charged with murder.
Survivors
Deputy Hathaway was survived by his wife, son, two daughter, and two siblings.
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 Hathaway served with the Faulkner County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Conway community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Hathaway.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Faulkner County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
William is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 8 officers in AR were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 51. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42.
William was 51. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
William was 51. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 8.8% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Wednesdays: 14.5%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Faulkner County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 19.3% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Faulkner County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Faulkner County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
