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Incident
Sheriff John Wormell was shot and killed after he and a deputy responded to a report of a burglary in a store at the intersection of 2nd Street and Cleveland Street at 1:15 am. The store owner had opened the door to the store and, along with the sheriff, entered the business. The store owner proceeded down one aisle as Sheriff Wormell proceeded down the other. As Sheriff Wormell passed by a barrel the suspect, a 12 year-old boy, who was hiding behind it, fired a single shot from a .32 caliber pistol he had previously stolen. The shot struck Sheriff Wormell in the head, killing him instantly. The other deputy then took the boy into custody. The boy was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison at Walla Walla State Prison. He was pardoned by the Governor at the request of Father Flannagan of Boy's Town after serving 10 years. Sheriff Wormell had served with the Asotin County Sheriff's Department for 35 years and also served as an elected representative to the state legislature.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
35 years. You could have gone home.
Sheriff Wormell gave the Asotin County Sheriff's Department 35 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Clarkston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Wormell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Asotin County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
John is one of 187 officers killed feloniously in WA, 55% of the 340 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1931, 4 officers in WA were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 96 years on record. The heaviest was 1935, with 8.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 64. Of the 159 killed feloniously in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 46; the middle age was 41. John had served 35 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
John was 64. 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. John had served 35 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 64. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 35 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 10.7% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 11.8%. Wednesdays: 15%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Asotin County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 55% of all 340 deaths in WA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 24.6% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 9-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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