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Incident
Deputy Spillman was stabbed to death while escorting a prisoner to the man's home so he could get clothing. The man had been arrested the previous day and declared insane. While at the man's home Deputy Spillman took inventory of several firearms in a trunk. As they left the man said he needed to get something else from inside. Before Deputy Spillman could object the man ran back inside and grabbed a gun and knife. He fired at Deputy Spillman but missed and then stabbed him to death. The suspect was committed at the state insane asylum at Ossawatomie.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
145 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Deputy Sheriff Spillman served with the Lyon County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Emporia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lyon County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 237 officers killed feloniously in KS, 70.7% of the 335 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1881, 2 officers in KS were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 112 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 8.
In 1881, 55 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 134th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1881, 61 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 132nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 45. Of the 211 killed feloniously in KS whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42.
James was 45. 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.
James was 45. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 11% of these deaths in KS; July holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 8.4%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August 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 Lyon County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 70.7% of all 335 deaths in KS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 3.4% 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 edged weapon, in 2.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon, in 2% of these deaths.
His people
Lyon County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lyon County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
