Constable Rosie Lee Smith

Rosie Lee Smith

On April 8th Constable R. L. Smith was walking on a street in Kosse when for no apparent reason Monroe Crisp attacked the constable with a knife. When a bystander attempted to stop the assault, Monroe's brother, Eugene, threatened the citizen with a hammer. Constable Smith received severe stab wounds in the attack. He died three weeks later on April 30th.

Monroe and Eugene Crisp were charged with assault with intent to murder, and later murder charges were filed and then dismissed. Monroe and Eugene were each fined $25 and Eugene was sentenced to 3 months in jail. Eugene's conviction was later reserved by the Court of Appeals.

Constable Smith was survived by his wife and was buried in the Eutaw Cemetery. The Precinct 5 constable's office no longer exists.