Prev
Incident
Detective O'Cain was shot and killed as he and another officer searched for a prowler in the 1600 block of First Street. As he walked into a backyard the suspect shot him in the stomach. The suspect, 20, was arrested the next day. On April 20, 1949, he went to his death in the electric chair.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, sister, and four brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpn5br0bbmstx10fq3ma- 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 Walter. 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.
Detective O'Cain served with the Macon Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Macon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective O'Cain.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Macon Police Department has lost 12 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter 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 1948, 1 officer at Macon Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1948, 4 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1948, 80 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 84th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1948, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 61. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Macon Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 39.3 and 49.8; the middle age was 45.
Walter was 61. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
Walter was 61. 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.
Walter was 61. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 33.3% of these deaths at Macon Police Department, more than any other month. Fridays: 16.7%.
June holds 7.8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Fridays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 12 deaths at Macon Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 3.8% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Macon Police Department has 12 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
-
Thomas Fletcher Thompson Jan 2, 1921
-
Sam B. Arnold Dec 15, 1927
-
Carl E. Leonard Jun 20, 1934
-
Robert L. Smith Jul 22, 1934
-
J. M. Dopson May 11, 1938
-
J. Grady Favors
Aug 20, 1942
-
Walter L. O'Cain Jun 11, 1948
-
Thomas Roscoe Hinson Jun 21, 1965
-
Kenneth G. Howe Oct 6, 1967
-
Donald James Mander
Aug 23, 1986
-
Walter Lee Harden, Sr.
May 11, 1987
-
Preston Kinney Jones
Oct 27, 1989
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Macon Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
