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Incident
Undersheriff Osman Steele was shot and killed while presiding over the sale of property. Undersheriff Steele, the county Sheriff, a lawyer and a town Constable were in the town of Andes, where they were attempting to sell property that had been levied. When they arrived, there were several spectators around the property and the man who once owned the property refused to allow any of the officers onto the property. As the officers attempted to settle the matter, a large group of citizens dressed as Indians appeared. The lawyer attempted to push through the group so he could enter the property in question. The Indians opened fire at the officers. Undersheriff Steele was struck three times. He died several hours later from his wounds. Several suspects were arrested and charged with Undersheriff Steele's murder. In October of 1845, two were sentenced to death, three were sentenced to life, and several others received lesser sentences. A month later the two death sentences were commuted to life.
Survivors
Undersheriff Steele was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
181 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Undersheriff Steele served with the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Delhi community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Osman is the only officer of Delaware County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Osman is one of 739 officers killed feloniously in NY, 34.7% of the 2,132 remembered there.
Osman is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Osman 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 1845, 1 officer in NY was killed feloniously, the 128th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 2001, with 32.
In 1845, 4 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 185th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1845, 8 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 184th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Osman was 35. Of the 671 killed feloniously in NY whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 43; the middle age was 35.
Osman was 35. 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.
Osman was 35. Of the 15,854 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 NY; September holds the most, 13.8%. Thursdays: 15.7%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Delaware County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 34.7% of all 2,132 deaths in NY, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 27.9% 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.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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