Detective James David Mandrell

James David Mandrell

Detective J. David Mandrell was shot and killed in an ambush while working undercover on a cattle rustling case near Olinda.

He and an informant had entered a barn in Robertson County, 500 feet south of the Kentucky border, in an attempt to purchase 15 heads of cattle as part of the ongoing investigation. As he entered a barn he was shot in the back by a 16-year-old boy who was hiding in a stable approximately 10 feet away. After falling to the ground the suspect walked up to him and shot him again in the face with a 30-06 rifle.

The juvenile's older brother then fatally shot the informant as the man fled into an adjacent cornfield. Both brothers then stole the cash that Detective Mandrell had brought to purchase the stolen cattle.

The boy and his older brother were both arrested and charged with two counts of murder. The older brother was convicted and sentenced to two life terms in prison.

Detective Mandrell had served with the Sumner County Sheriff's Office for 12 years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, three sisters, and one brother.