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Incident
Night Policeman William Newberry was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man for burglary.
He was checking local businesses in the early morning hours when he caught a subject leaving the backdoor of a closed store. He stopped the man who told him an accomplice was inside. A struggle ensued as Policeman Newberry started to search the man. The man was able to gain control of Policeman Newberry's service weapon and shot him before fleeing.
Policeman Newberry died from his wounds the later that night.
The subject was captured by a posse. As the sheriff and a deputy were taking him to the jail in Gainesville they were confronted by a mob who took control of the man. The man confessed to Policeman Newberry's murder and was then returned to jail by the mob. He was subsequently convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was pardoned on December 3, 1930.
Policeman Newberry had served as night policeman for Alachua for only a few weeks and also served as a deputy sheriff with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Night Policeman Newberry served with the Alachua Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Alachua community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Night Policeman Newberry.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
William is the only officer of Alachua Police Department remembered here.
William is one of 536 officers killed feloniously in FL, 53.3% of the 1,006 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, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1917, 3 officers in FL were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 143 years on record. The heaviest was 1987, with 10.
In 1917, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1917, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 44. Of the 496 killed feloniously in FL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 44.3; the middle age was 36.
William was 44. 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 44. 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 9.7% of these deaths in FL; April holds the most, 10.1%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Alachua Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's 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 officer's handgun, in 10.3% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-W
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