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Incident
Policeman William Kelly was stabbed to death after being ambushed and attacked by a female suspect to whom he had given a warning earlier in the day.
The woman had been involved in a quarrel with another woman at the racetrack in Austin, Nevada when Deputy Kelley intervened.
After the races, Deputy Kelley encountered the suspect a second time in front of a saloon on Cedar Street. During the encounter, the woman stabbed Deputy Kelley in the chest. Although mortally wounded, Deputy Kelley was able to shoot the woman in the leg. He died minutes later.
The woman was taken into custody and charged with murder. A month later the woman had an examination before the justice of the peace and was discharged for reasons unknown.
Policeman Kelly had served with the Austin Police Department for six years.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
150 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Policeman Kelly gave the Austin Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Austin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Austin Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 82 officers killed feloniously in NV, 56.2% of the 146 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 1876, 1 officer in NV was killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 62 years on record. The heaviest was 1979, with 4.
In 1876, 35 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 149th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1876, 43 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 147th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 35. Of the 70 killed feloniously in NV whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 37. William had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
William was 35. 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 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 35. 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 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 11% of these deaths in NV; October holds the most, 13.4%. Sundays: 19.5%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Austin Police Department. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 56.2% of all 146 deaths in NV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 1.2% 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 edged weapon; knife, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.7% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 2-E
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