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Incident
Deputy Cross was shot and killed during a traffic stop of a vehicle between Seminole and Wewoka. One of the three occupants produced a handgun and shot Deputy Cross in the abdomen twice. He was taken to a local hospital where he died the following day
One suspect was apprehended the next day and identified by Deputy Cross before he died of his injuries. A second suspect was apprehended a few days later. On May 11, 1927, the one Deputy Cross identified was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On December 2, 1931, he received an eight month parole. On June 8, 1932, his received a full parole. The third suspect was shot and critically wounded by police officers in Francis, Oklahoma, on May 22, 1927.
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- August 2, 2026
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- September 9, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Cross served with the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Wewoka community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Cross.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Seminole County Sheriff's Office has lost 7 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 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 1927, 1 officer at Seminole County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 2009, with 2.
In 1927, 11 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 40. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Seminole County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 32.5 and 42.8; the middle age was 41.
John was 40. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42.
John was 40. 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 was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 16.7% of these deaths at Seminole County Sheriff's Office; July holds the most, 50%. Wednesdays: 33.3%.
March holds 4.5% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 85.7% of all 7 deaths at Seminole County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Seminole County Sheriff's Office has 7 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Seminole County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
