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Incident
Deputy Marshal Jesse Nelson succumbed to gunshot wound sustained six weeks earlier as he and the town marshal attempted to question three robbery suspects.
The subjects opened fire, wounding both officers. Deputy Marshal Nelson was taken to a local hospital where he remained until succumbing to his wounds.
On August 8, 1924, the three suspects were attempting to rob a grocery store in Fairmount when the store owner opened fire killing two and critically wounded the third. The third suspect, who was shot in the neck and near death, confessed from his hospital bed that they were the ones who shot Deputy Nelson and the other officer. He said one of the dead suspects killed Deputy Nelson. He did not say who shot the other officer. He also said they were involved in other robberies which turned out to be 18. He recovered from his wound and received a term of 10 to 25 years.
Deputy Marshal Nelson had served with the Upland Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Marshal Nelson served with the Upland Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Upland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Marshal Nelson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jesse is the only officer of Upland Police Department remembered here.
Jesse is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Jesse is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jesse 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 1924, 6 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jesse was 39. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38.
Jesse was 39. 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.
Jesse was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 8.1% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Fridays: 11%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Upland Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.8% 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-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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