Prev
Robert Wesley Crain
Incident
Deputy Robert Crain and Deputy Wiley Pierce were shot and killed while attempting to arrest two men for making moonshine.
One of the men produced a handgun and opened fire, killing both deputies. The suspects attempted to hide Deputy Crain's body under the carcass of a dead cow and they buried Deputy Pierce's body in a swamp.
Both men were convicted of the murders and sentenced to death on March 23, 1923. One of the men was hanged on August 31, 1923. The other's sentence was commuted to life. On December 20, 1926, he was stabbed to death by a fellow inmate.
Deputy Crain was survived by his wife and four children. Deputy Crain is buried in Morris Cemetery, Washington Parrish, Louisiana.
Survivors
Deputy Crain was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpy1nep2nsk9ms6t1c5d- 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 Robert. 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.
Deputy Sheriff Crain served with the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Franklinton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Crain.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Washington Parish Sheriff's Department has lost 7 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1923, 2 officers at Washington Parish Sheriff's Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1923, 7 officers in LA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 35. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Washington Parish Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 35 and 45; the middle age was 42.
Robert was 35. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40.
Robert was 35. 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.
Robert was 35. 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 40% of these deaths at Washington Parish Sheriff's Department, more than any other month. Saturdays: 60%.
March holds 10.7% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Saturdays: 15.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 71.4% of all 7 deaths at Washington Parish Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Washington Parish Sheriff's Department has 7 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Washington Parish Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
