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Incident
Marshal Melvin Stiles was shot and killed after he and another officer responded to a disturbance call at 401 Grant Street. As the officers attempted to arrest three brothers, one of the brothers opened fire with a 410 shotgun, striking Marshal Stiles in the chest. Marshal Stiles and the other officer were able to return fire, killing the subject. Marshal Stiles had served with the Oronogo Police Department for just six months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three 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.
Marshal Stiles served with the Oronogo Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Oronogo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Marshal Stiles.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Melvin is the only officer of Oronogo Police Department remembered here.
Melvin is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Melvin is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Melvin 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 1974, 2 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Melvin was 38. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Melvin had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Melvin was 38. 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. Melvin had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Melvin was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Melvin had served 0.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.3% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Fridays: 12.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Oronogo Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 5.7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Oronogo Police Department are honored on badge.nw.