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Incident
Night Marshal John Kelley succumbed to gunshot wounds he suffered two days earlier after confronting a disorderly subject.
After the subject had attempted to be served liquor at a diner on South Division Street at 11:30 pm, he was refused. The subject then became disorderly which attracted the attention of Night Marshal Kelley. As he was being reprimanded for his behavior, the subject produced a gun, shot Night Marshal Kelley four times in the abdomen and fled the scene.
Night Marshal Kelley was transported to Holden Hospital in Carbondale where he died two days later from the wounds he suffered.
Night Marshal Kelley had served with the Du Quoin Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, stepson, sister, three brothers and mother.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Night Marshal Kelley gave the Du Quoin Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Du Quoin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Marshal Kelley.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Du Quoin Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 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, 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 1921, 13 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
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
John was 28. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 28. 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 had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 28. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 8.2% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Du Quoin Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 25-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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