William Park Edwards, a 68-year-old white male, served as the Chief Deputy Sheriff of Volusia County, Florida. On November 4, 1907, while attempting to arrest a suspect in DeLand, Florida, he was fatally shot. The suspect, who was believed to have broken into a home, used a Colt revolver stolen during the burglary to shoot Edwards. Despite immediate medical attention, Edwards succumbed to his injuries the following day, on November 5, 1907.
The suspect, identified as Henry Richards, was
apprehended in Tampa on September 7, 1911. Richards was subsequently tried and found guilty of the murder of Chief Deputy Edwards. He was executed by hanging on February 17, 1912. This case highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during that era and the severe consequences for those who committed such crimes.
Chief Deputy Edwards had a long history of service, having previously been wounded in a shootout nine years earlier that resulted in the death of Deputy William Kremer. Edwards was also a veteran of the Civil War, having served as a private in the 6th Georgia Infantry, Company A. He was survived by five children. The tragic death of William Park Edwards underscores the risks associated with law enforcement and the ultimate sacrifice made by those who serve to protect their communities.
