Prev
Incident
Constable DeLaney was shot and killed while questioning a man about fire-crackers that had been thrown into a door at a dance at the Vina Town Hall at 10:30 pm. Constable DeLaney was inside the building and went out to ask who threw the fire-crackers. Constable DeLaney was confronted by a drunk male who he then tried to arrest. The suspect shot Constable DeLaney in the abdomen three times and then fled. Constable DeLaney succumbed to his wounds the following evening.
The suspect, 32, was later apprehended by a deputy constable. He was found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to 16 years in jail. He was released on April 24, 1912.
Constable DeLaney had been appointed constable in 1897.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpx2jn9mty270h6k796x- 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 James. 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.
Constable DeLaney gave the Vina Township Constable's Office 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Vina community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable DeLaney.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Vina Township Constable's Office remembered here.
James is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 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 1902, 3 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1902, 104 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1902, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 41. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 41. 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 had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 41. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Vina Township Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.9% 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 59-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Vina Township Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.