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Incident
Town Marshal William Lea was shot and killed in an act of revenge while patrolling the town at approximately 7:00 pm.
Several weeks prior a man had been fined $50 after being arrested by Marshal Lea for selling whiskey. The man held a grudge against Marshal Lea and earlier in the day he and several friends got drunk and threatened him.
Marshal Lea continued patrolling the town and was walking front of the man's store when he was shot through the head with a .38 caliber rifle. The man was charged with Marshal Lea's murder but was acquitted.
Marshal Lea was survived by his wife and 12 children.
Survivors
Marshal Lea was survived by his wife and 12 children.
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.
Town Marshal Lea served with the Kentwood Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Kentwood community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Lea.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kentwood Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 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 1902, 2 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 1902, 104 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1902, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 47. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40.
William was 47. 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 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 7.7% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Tuesdays: 13.2%.
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 2 deaths at Kentwood Police Department. The weapon recorded was rifle; .38 caliber, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; .38 caliber, in 0.5% 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 rifle; .38 caliber, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; .38 caliber, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Kentwood Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 63-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Kentwood Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
