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Incident
Watchman David Estes was shot and killed while helping another watchman pursue two thieves who had committed a burglary at No. 8 Liberty Square during the early morning hours on April 27.
As Watchman Estes, who was on his beat nearby, was about to apprehend one of the fleeing suspects by grabbing his arm near Milk and Sister Streets, he was shot point-blank in the chest by the youth who had drawn a hidden pistol. Watchman Estes succumbed to his wound nearly 12 hours later.
Watchman Estes, a member of the Boston Watch for 12 years, was survived by his wife. Their two young sons preceded Watchman Estes in death.
Survivors
Watchman Estes, a member of the Boston Watch for 12 years, was survived by his wife.
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
178 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Watchman Estes gave the Boston Watch 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Boston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Boston Watch has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 199 officers killed feloniously in MA, 42.4% of the 469 remembered there.
David is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1848, 1 officer in MA was killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 107 years on record. The heaviest was 1908, with 6.
In 1848, 3 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 187th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1848, 6 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 191st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 37. Of the 195 killed feloniously in MA whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 52.5; the middle age was 42. David had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 11 years.
David was 37. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 6% of these deaths in MA; October holds the most, 10.6%. Thursdays: 13.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Boston Watch. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 42.4% of all 469 deaths in MA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 1% 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 handgun; pistol, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Boston Watch has 2 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Boston Watch are honored on badge.nw.