Police Officer Elvas Matthews, Xenia Police Department, Ohio

Police Officer Elvas Matthews

Xenia Police Department, Ohio

End of Watch Thursday, December 21, 1922

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Elvas Matthews

Officer Elvas Matthews was shot and killed while walking his beat in downtown Xenia. A suspect approached him from behind and shot him without provocation.

The suspect was arrested a short time later after he boasted to friends that two notches on the butt of his pistol represented two dead police officers. It was determined that he had murdered Patrolman Emery McCreight, of the Wilmington Police Department, on February 15th, 1922.

The suspect was convicted of Patrolman McCreight's murder and sentenced to life in prison on February 20th, 1923. He was paroled on July 30th, 1945.

Officer Matthews had only served with the Xenia Police Department for three months.

He is buried at Lawshe Cemetery, Adams County, Ohio.

Bio

Age 28
Tour 3 months
Badge 1

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Paroled in 1945

foot patrol

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NEVER FORGET! Honoring the dedicated service of Police Officer Elvas Matthews of the Xenia Police Department, Xenia, Ohio and the additional 85 peace officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice on this date in history.

Superintendent Joe Morbitzer (Retired)
Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification & Investigation

December 21, 2025