Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department, Mississippi
End of Watch Friday, February 21, 1997
Add to My HeroesJames P. Rutland
Deputy Sheriff James Rutland and Deputy Sheriff Thomas Bourne were shot and killed by a prisoner they were transporting to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County to begin a 40-year prison term after being convicted of manslaughter, aggravated assault, and escape.
The inmate had somehow concealed a handgun and shot them both in the head as they were on Route 13 south of Mendenhall. The patrol car did not have a cage. A female prisoner who was also being transported was not hurt.
The subject was convicted of capital murder for killing Deputy Bourne and Deputy Rutland and was subsequently sentenced to death.
Deputy Rutland had served with the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department for two years and previously served with the Monticello Police Department and Pearl Police Department. He was survived by his wife, mother, and stepchildren.
Bio
- Age 53
- Tour 2 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to death
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsRest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
February 21, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024