Deputy Sheriff Ben McCullough

Ben McCullough

Deputy McCullough was shot and killed by a prisoner on a chain gang during an escape attempt. The prisoner had been sentenced to nine days for stealing corn. The chain gang was passing the suspect's home when the suspect asked to be allowed to go inside and change. The request was granted and the suspect went into the home but emerged with a gun and opened fire, fatally wounding Deputy McCullough.

The 18-year-old suspect fled the scene with Deputy McCullough's gun but was arrested at a later date and charged with murder. On June 17, 1939, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to 60 years in prison. On June 10, 1949, his sentence was reduced to 20 years.

Deputy McCullough was survived by his wife and twelve children.