Independence County Sheriff's Office, Arkansas
End of Watch Thursday, September 15, 1904
Add to My HeroesJeff D. Morgan
Sheriff Jefferson Morgan was shot and killed by an escaped convict while attempting to question the man on Main Street in Batesville.
The suspect had escaped from the Izard County Jail three years earlier and had fled to Iowa. The man returned to Arkansas to visit family but was recognized by citizens and the sheriff was alerted.
The sheriff located the man coming out of the City Hotel and asked him who he was. The suspect immediately began to run, pulled out a .38 caliber handgun, and shot Sheriff Morgan. A citizen who witnessed the shooting grabbed the sheriff's gun and he, along with other citizens, began to chase the suspect. The suspect became cornered in a barn and the citizens began shooting inside and threatened to burn it down.
The suspect surrendered and was charged with Sheriff Morgan's murder. He was found guilty and hung for the crime on November 25th, 1904.
Sheriff Morgan had served with the Independence County Sheriff's Department for two years and was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 2 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Executed in 1904
Most Recent Reflection
View all 8 ReflectionsSheriff Morgan,
On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Independence County.
BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)
September 15, 2024
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