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Incident
Patrolman Wayne Henebry and Patrolman Billy Patterson were shot and killed after Patrolman Patterson had made a traffic stop on Main Street in front of the Marion County Courthouse in Columbia. The man he had stopped had previously stated that he would kill the first police officer he saw. As a gunfight ensued, Patrolman Patterson called for assistance. Patrolman Henebry arrived, and both officers were shot and killed. The suspect, who was on parole for his conviction of killing two people in two different incidents, went to his wife's house in order to kill her as well. However, his son was at the house, shot, and killed the man. Patrolman Henebry had served with the Columbia Police Department for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, and brothers.
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.
Patrolman Henebry gave the Columbia Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Henebry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Columbia Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Wayne is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Wayne is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Wayne 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 1989, 6 officers in MS were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1989, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1989, 108 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Wayne was 36. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Wayne had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Wayne was 36. 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. Wayne had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Wayne was 36. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Wayne had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 10.3% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Mondays: 12.8%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Columbia Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 15.2% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Columbia Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Wayne among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 59-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Columbia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
