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Incident
Constable Joseph Davidson was shot and killed while guarding two robbery suspects who had just been arrested. The two complained of being cold and asked if they could wait in their automobile, and the request was granted.
Several minutes later they requested to get back out of their car, and as they did, one of the men shot Constable Davidson several times.
One suspect, 58, was apprehended a few days later. The other suspect, 37, was apprehended in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 25, 1935. Both were convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life. The 37-old died in prison in 1948.
Constable Davidson had served in law enforcement for 2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Constable Davidson gave the Mercer County Constable's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Princeton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Davidson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joseph is the only officer of Mercer County Constable's Office remembered here.
Joseph is one of 169 officers killed feloniously in WV, 72.8% of the 232 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 1934, 5 officers in WV were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 79 years on record. The heaviest was 1923, with 8.
In 1934, 178 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1934, 179 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 56. Of the 147 killed feloniously in WV whose age is recorded, half were between 31.5 and 47.5; the middle age was 39. Joseph had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
Joseph was 56. 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. Joseph had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 7.1% of these deaths in WV; August holds the most, 14.2%. Tuesdays: 19.5%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Mercer County Constable's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 72.8% of all 232 deaths in WV, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.4% 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 52% of all 33,917 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 3-E
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