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Incident
Chief Worley Wells succumbed to a gunshot wound inflicted five days earlier when he was shot by a suspect he had arrested a short time earlier for public drunkenness.
The suspect, and another man who had been arrested with him, were released from custody and told to go directly home. Instead, the man procured a revolver and then shot Chief Wells when he attempted to arrest him again.
A major manhunt ensued, however, the suspect eluded custody. He was arrested in Fresno, California, in August 1923 and returned to Wise County for trial. He was convicted of Chief Wells' murder and sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Chief Wells had served as police chief for 7 years and had served in law enforcement for 15 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Chief of Police Wells gave the Norton Police Department 15 years.
Thank you for your service to the Norton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Wells.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Norton Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Worley is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Worley is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Worley 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 1921, 10 officers in VA were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
Worley was 39. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Worley had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Worley was 39. 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. Worley had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Worley was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Worley had served 15 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 9.2% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Norton Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 1.8% 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; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Norton Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Worley among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Norton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
