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Incident
Deputy Clarence Kelly was shot and killed after arresting two juveniles who were harassing other passengers on a bus. Unbeknownst to Deputy Kelly, the two boys had burglarized a store two days earlier and were returning from St. Louis after disposing of the stolen items. Because they were juveniles, Deputy Kelly placed them both in the back of his patrol car and drove them to the jail. As he was pulling into the jail's garage one of the boys produced a handgun and shot Deputy Kelly in the back of the head. The two boys escaped but were captured by a district game warden following a massive manhunt. The suspects, ages 14 and 15, were charged with Deputy Kelly's murder. Charges against the 14 year-old were dropped. The 15 year-old who admitted to the shooting was sentenced to 15 years in Sheridan State Reformatory. Deputy Kelly had served with the Fayette County Sheriff's Department for three years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Kelly gave the Fayette County Sheriff's Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Vandalia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Kelly.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Clarence is the only officer of Fayette County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
Clarence is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Clarence is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Clarence 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 1953, 5 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1953, 72 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 98th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1953, 72 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 104th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Clarence was 37. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. Clarence had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Clarence 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. Clarence had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Clarence was 37. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Clarence had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 5.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Wednesdays: 11.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Fayette County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 handgun, in 28.5% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-W
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