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Incident
Policeman Charles Sneesby was shot and killed while investigating burglary call at the United States Post Office in Devils Lake at 502 Fourth Street NE. He was shot at close range as he entered the building to investigate a light that he observed inside. A citizen who lived next door observed four men flee the scene in an automobile. One of the suspects was apprehended near Shelby, Montana, on January 7, 1933. He was later transferred from jail to a hospital where he died of pneumonia on March 18, 1933. It was later discovered that a second suspect was in the North Dakota Penitentiary for a conviction of another crime. On September 13, 1933, he was arrested as he was being released from prison. On December 1, 1933, he was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. On March 28, 1946, he was denied a new trial. Policeman Sneesby was survived by his wife and five children. He was preceded in death by a son. He was buried in the Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery in Devils Lake.
Survivors
Policeman Sneesby was survived by his wife and five children.
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.
Policeman Sneesby served with the Devils Lake Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Devils Lake community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Sneesby.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Devils Lake Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 39 officers killed feloniously in ND, 63.9% of the 61 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, 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 1924, 1 officer in ND was killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 32 years on record. The heaviest was 1917, with 2.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 51. Of the 37 killed feloniously in ND whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 55; the middle age was 50.
Charles was 51. 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 51. 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 2.6% of these deaths in ND; July holds the most, 17.9%. Wednesdays: 23.1%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Devils Lake Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 61 deaths in ND, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 30.8% 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Devils Lake Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Devils Lake Police Department are honored on badge.nw.