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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Elton Stover succumbed to gunshot wounds when he and his partner responded to a bank robbery call in Benton Harbor at 10:50 am. When they arrived, the suspects opened fire with a semi-automatic, striking Deputy Stover twice. He was transported to Mercy Hospital where he died during surgery a week later. The suspects fled but were followed by a local couple who directed officers to their location. Two suspects were arrested and charged in connection with the robbery and murder. One suspect pled guilty to murder, was sentenced to prison, and died in 2004. The other suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on April 12, 1966. He died in prison on July 14, 2006. Deputy Stover had served with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four sons.
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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Stover gave the Berrien County Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the St. Joseph community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Stover.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Elton is the only officer of Berrien County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Elton is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 remembered there.
Elton is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elton 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 1965, 1 officer in MI was killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 1965, 78 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 89th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1965, 80 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elton was 55. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. Elton had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Elton was 55. 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. Elton had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Elton was 55. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Elton had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 12.3% of these deaths in MI, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Berrien County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.5% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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