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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Raiford Royals was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two men. Despite being wounded, Deputy Royals was able to return fire and wounded one subject. The second man escaped.
The wounded suspect was hanged at the Hamilton County Jail on September 15, 1916.
Deputy Royals had served with the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office for three years. he was survived by his wife and six children.
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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.
Deputy Sheriff Royals gave the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jasper community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Royals.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
W. is the only officer of Hamilton County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
W. is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 remembered there.
W. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
W. 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 1916, 7 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
W. was 42. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36. W. had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
W. was 42. 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. W. had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
W. was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. W. had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 10.1% of these deaths in FL, more than any other month. Mondays: 10.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.3% of all 1,006 deaths in FL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19% 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 27-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
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