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Incident
Policeman William Sutherlin was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had shot out a street light at the intersection of Sixth and Warren streets.
The man was in a group of males who were acting disorderly at about 9:30 pm. Policeman Sutherlin and another officer responded to the gunfire and began chasing the subjects who were dispersing. When the man who had shot out the street light was being arrested, he fatally shot Policeman Sutherlin in the heart.
The 20-year-old suspect was arrested by the other officer and charged with murder. On January 15, 1924, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. In 1932 his sentenced was reduced making him eligible for parole in 1933.
Policeman Sutherlin was survived by his wife, five sons and five daughters.
Survivors
Policeman Sutherlin was survived by his wife, five sons and five 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.
Policeman Sutherlin served with the Mitchell Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Mitchell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Sutherlin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mitchell Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 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 1923, 6 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 61. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38.
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
March holds 10% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Wednesdays: 13.5%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Mitchell Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 1.9% 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 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
Mitchell Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Mitchell Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
