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Incident
Deputy Sheriff David Beck and Deputy Sheriff Robert Stolz were shot and killed while searching a wooded area for two men who had fired a shotgun at another deputy who was pursuing them. Deputy Stoltz and Deputy Beck were the first deputies to arrive in the area near the Mississippi line in western Mobile County. The subjects opened fire on both deputies, killing Deputy Stoltz before he was able to draw his weapon. Deputy Beck was also fatally wounded in the exchange of shots. One of the subjects was found dead, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The other man was apprehended and sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. In 1989 and again in 1992, he received new trials and was sentenced to life each time. He was denied parole on March 20th, 2019, and died in prison in 2023. Deputy Beck had served with the Mobile County Sheriff's Office for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, parents, and sister.
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 Beck gave the Mobile County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Mobile community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Beck.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mobile County Sheriff's Department has lost 6 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 1975, 2 officers at Mobile County Sheriff's Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1975, 4 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1975, 163 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1975, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 31. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Mobile County Sheriff's Department whose age is recorded, half were between 34.3 and 39.8; the middle age was 37. David had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 4.5 years.
David was 31. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. David had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
David was 31. 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. David had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 33.3% of these deaths at Mobile County Sheriff's Department; January holds the most, 33.3%. Mondays: 33.3%.
November holds 8.9% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Mondays: 13.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Mobile County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.9% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Mobile County Sheriff's Department has 6 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 9-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Mobile County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
