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Incident
Policeman John Sheldon was stabbed to death while walking his beat in Sonora.
At approximately 3:30 am two subjects approached him from behind and stabbed him in the side before stealing his service weapon and fleeing. Despite being mortally wounded, Policeman Sheldon was able to walk to the United States Hotel where he collapsed on the floor.
Both men were arrested in Tuttletown and returned to Sonora to face trial. They were convicted of Policeman Sheldon's murder, sentenced to death, and both executed on August 3, 1855.
It is believed they murdered Policeman Sheldon in retaliation for a shooting in 1851 in which Policeman Sheldon killed a man who was shooting at the city marshal.
Marshal Sheldon had served with the Sonora Police Department for four years.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
171 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Policeman Sheldon gave the Sonora Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Sonora community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
John is the only officer of Sonora Police Department remembered here.
John is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1855, 5 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 82nd heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1855, 14 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 166th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1855, 17 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 166th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 9.1% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 15.8%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Sonora Police Department. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, 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 edged weapon; knife, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.7% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
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