Fayetteville Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch: Saturday, April 28, 1928
Age: 48
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 28, 1928
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 12 gauge
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 21 years
Policeman Lem McPherson was shot and killed from ambush by a man who held a grudge against him.
The man had just been released from prison after serving a nine-month term. The man had been searching for Officer McPherson and when he located him, opened fire with a 12 gauge shotgun, striking him twice.
The man fled but was arrested the following day and charged with Policeman McPherson's murder. He was convicted of second-degree murder only 10 days later and sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Policeman McPherson had served with the Fayetteville Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.