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Incident
Constable William Staggs was shot and killed in an ambush as he rode his mule on his way home from work after summoning several men for road work.
He was ambushed and shot with buckshot as he rode along a path.
Two men were charged with his murder but were acquitted at trial.
On May 5th, 1912, a man shot and mortally wounded by his brother-in-law in Bibb County told officials from his deathbed that he shot and killed Constable Staggs. He also gave information that cleared several unsolved crimes in Jefferson County.
Constable Staggs was the constable of Precinct 30 near the Bessie Mines.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six 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.
Constable Staggs served with the Jefferson County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Birgmingham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Staggs.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jefferson County Constable's Office has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 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, 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 1911, 6 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1911, 149 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1911, 150 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 34. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
William was 34. 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 was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
May holds 9.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Wednesdays: 11.9%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Jefferson County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 12.3% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Jefferson County Constable's Office has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Jefferson County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
