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Incident
Sheriff William Haynes was shot and killed in Hayneville by a local merchant.
The suspect was quarreling with his brother when the sheriff was appealed to for protection. As he attempted to quiet the man, who was drinking, he suddenly produced a pistol and shot him.
The suspect was arrested and charged with murder. The trial drew national attention. The suspect and Sheriff Haynes came from prominent families and both were involved in all political matters which affected Lowndes County. On February 25, 1909, the suspect was found not guilty by reason of insanity. On March 30, 1909, Doctors at Tuscaloosa Insane Asylum declared the suspect sane and discharged him. He went home and was never charged with anything else relating to Sheriff Haynes' murder.
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- August 2, 2026
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- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Haynes served with the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Hayneville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Haynes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lowndes County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 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 1908, 6 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 61. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
William was 61. 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 61. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 9.9% of these deaths in AL, more than any other month. Saturdays: 15.8%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% 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; .38 caliber, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .38 caliber, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Lowndes County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lowndes County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
