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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Wiggins was shot and killed while searching for a man who had just committed a murder in Wauchula.
He had been notified of the murder, that occurred near the Petiwate Turpentine Still, and positioned himself at a bridge on the roadway leading from the facility. The murder suspect approached the bridge a short time later. As Deputy Wiggins ordered him to stop the man opened fire, striking Deputy Wiggins in the face.
Deputy Wiggins was taken to Tampa for treatment but died near Lakeland before arriving at the hospital.
The subject who murdered him was arrested and charged with his murder. The conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court. He was then tried for the original murder, sentenced to death, and subsequently executed by hanging on August 16th, 1918.
Deputy Wiggins was one one of three triplets, and was survived by his sister and brother.
Survivors
Deputy Wiggins was one one of three triplets, and was survived by his sister and brother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Wiggins served with the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Arcadia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Wiggins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 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, 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 1916, 7 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 33. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36.
John was 33. 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 was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 7.6% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Saturdays: 20.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at DeSoto County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, 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 shotgun, in 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from DeSoto County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.