Incident
Sergeant Eric Stein was shot and killed as he, the county sheriff, and another deputy attempted to question a man regarding an incident that had occurred the previous night.
The three officers had gone to the man's home on 249th Street, in rural Sigourney, shortly before noon when they were fired upon. Sergeant Stein was struck by the shots and fatally wounded. The sheriff and other deputy took cover and called for assistance.
The subject remained barricaded in his home for about three hours before coming outside with a firearm. He was killed by an Iowa State Patrol tactical unit.
Sergeant Stein had served with the Keokuk County Sheriff's Office for 11 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his 9-year-old daughter, sister, father, and fiancee.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpb6zs872ekps17cfega- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Eric. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Stein gave the Keokuk County Sheriff's Office 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sigourney community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Stein.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Eric is the only officer of Keokuk County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Eric is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Eric is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Eric 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 2011, 1 officer in IA was killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
In 2011, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2011, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Eric was 39. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41. Eric had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Eric was 39. 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. Eric had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Eric was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Eric had served 11 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 10.9% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Mondays: 14.7%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Keokuk County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 11.6% 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.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Keokuk County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.