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Incident
Sheriff William Jones was shot and killed as he and a deputy attempted to arrest a man who had just murdered his wife and brother-in-law, and seriously wounded his sister-in-law.
The man had gone on a rampage and destroyed the contents of his home with an axe before committing the murders.
Sheriff Jones and the deputy went their separate ways as they arrived at the man's home. Sheriff Jones approached the front door as the deputy approached the back door. Just as the sheriff opened the screen door, the suspect appeared and fired a blast from his shotgun, instantly killing the sheriff.
The suspect fled the scene but was chased by a posse of citizens. He was caught in a nearby field and shot over 50 times by the citizens.
Sheriff Jones was serving his first term as sheriff when he was murdered.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
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.
Sheriff Jones served with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Opelika community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Jones.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lee County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1932, 4 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1932, 210 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 8th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1932, 210 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 60. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
William was 60. 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.
William was 60. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 9.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Wednesdays: 11.9%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Lee County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.9% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Lee County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
