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William Ashby Howard
Incident
Location: South Carolina Weapon: Gun; Unknown type Offender: At large
Patrolman William Howard was shot and killed while patrolling the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad's yards in Sumter, South Carolina.
Patrolman Howard noticed a trespasser at around dusk and attempted to arrest him. The man began to run from Patrolman Howard and started firing over his shoulder. One of the rounds struck the patrolman in the chest, killing him. He then fired seven more rounds in Patrolman Howard's body, stabbed him more times than the coroner could count, and then beat his body with a blunt object.
There was a witness to the incident who knew the 30-year-old suspect. He pawned Patrolman Howard's pistol for five dollars and said he was in trouble and leaving town. A $100 reward was posted for his capture but it is not known if he was ever even seen again.
Patrolman Howard had served with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Police for two years.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Patrolman Howard gave the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jacksonville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Howard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Police Department has lost 7 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1925, 1 officer at Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 2.
In 1925, 4 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1925, 208 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1925, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 28. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 34; the middle age was 31. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 28. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
William was 28. 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. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 33.3% of these deaths at Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Police Department; March holds the most, 33.3%. Tuesdays: 33.3%.
September holds 9% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Tuesdays: 14.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 85.7% of all 7 deaths at Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 9.5% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
