Prev
Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Waller was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance at a farmhouse three miles south of Wisner. Deputy Waller, along with an agent with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, arrived at the 23-year-old man's home to find him brandishing a shotgun on his front porch. As the officers stepped out of their car the man shot Deputy Waller in the neck killing him instantly. The agent managed to wrestle the gun from the man and took him into custody. Fourteen days later the man was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Three years later he received a new trial and was again sentenced to death. He was executed in the electric chair on August 16th, 1957. Deputy Waller was survived by his wife, two stepchildren, a sister, two brothers, and six half-siblings. One of his brothers was the sheriff of Franklin Parish.
Survivors
Deputy Waller was survived by his wife, two stepchildren, a sister, two brothers, and six half-siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnebdh50n72221227ckm- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
You barely got started.
Deputy Sheriff Waller gave the Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Winnsboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Waller.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1953, 4 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 1953, 72 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 98th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1953, 72 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 104th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 41. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 8 years.
John was 41. 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. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 41. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.5% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Sundays: 16.5%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 11.3% 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
Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Franklin Parish Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
