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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Barnes was shot and killed as he attempted to question two youths at a filling station in Nilwood, Illinois.
Deputy Barnes had been warned earlier that the two youths, ages 18 and 19, were wanted for several hold-ups in Virden and Girard. The suspects' automobile was found overturned and abandoned three miles away. A posse captured both suspects two days later. One had a bullet wound in his shoulder from Deputy Barnes' return fire.
Both subjects were convicted of Deputy Barnes' murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison. On January 11th, 1941, Governor John Stelle commuted their sentences to 35 years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Barnes gave the Macoupin County Sheriff's Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Carlinville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Barnes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Macoupin County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
J. is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
J. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
J. 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, 22 officers in IL were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
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
J. was 38. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. J. had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
J. 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. J. had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
J. was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. J. had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Mondays: 14.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Macoupin County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 5.9% 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; 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
Macoupin County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, J. among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Macoupin County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
