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Incident
Inspector J.C. Shelhorse was shot and killed in Alexandria, Virginia, as he and two other inspectors were searching for illegal whiskey at 1910 hours. The inspectors had boarded Southern Railway passenger train Number 31 at Union Station in Washington, DC. When the train crossed into Virginia the officers, armed with a warrant, began a search of the train. When the agents attempted to talk to a man they suspected of having liquor the man fled from his seat into a baggage car. A struggle ensued and the man produced a gun. One of the inspectors was able to disarm him and gave the gun to a second inspector. The men continued to struggle and the suspect was able to regain control of the pistol. As Inspector Shelhorse entered the baggage car the suspect fired a shot and struck him in the neck. The suspect jumped from the train as it pulled into the passenger station in Alexandria and attempted to run but was caught by the two other inspectors and a soldier. Inspector Shelhorse was transported to a hospital where he succumbed to his wound at approximately 1955 hours. In August 1918, the man who murdered him was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Survivors
Inspector Shelhorse was survived by his wife and several children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Inspector Shelhorse served with the Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Shelhorse.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement has lost 8 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
J. is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
J. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
J. 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 1918, 1 officer at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1918, 5 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
J. was 54. Of the 8 killed feloniously at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement whose age is recorded, half were between 37.8 and 49.5; the middle age was 39.
J. was 54. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
J. was 54. 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.
J. was 54. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 12.5% of these deaths at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement; August holds the most, 25%. Tuesdays: 25%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 13%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 8 deaths at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.7% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement has 8 officers remembered here, J. among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement are honored on badge.nw.
