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Incident
Deputy Samuel Gowland was shot and killed as he and other deputies attempted to protect leased trapping lands on Delacroix Island.
Several groups of trappers were feuding and the deputies were attempting to keep the peace in the area. As the deputies passed a group of trappers they were fired upon. Deputy Gowland was fatally shot and 10 others were wounded in the shootout.
Three men were later arrested and charged with Deputy Gowland's murder.
Deputy Gowland was survived by his wife.
Survivors
Deputy Gowland was survived by his wife.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Gowland served with the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Chalmette community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Gowland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Samuel is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
Samuel is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Samuel 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 1926, 5 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Samuel was 34. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40.
Samuel was 34. 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.
Samuel was 34. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 9.3% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Tuesdays: 13.2%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 13.7% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Samuel among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.