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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Joe Cosby was shot and killed while transporting a prisoner from the jail. He had picked the prisoner up from the Tunica County Jail and was transporting him to the Panola County Courthouse for a court appearance. The prisoner was riding in the front seat of the patrol car and started struggling with Deputy Cosby as they drove on U.S. 51 just north of Batesville. The prisoner was able to gain control of Deputy Cosby's weapon and shot him. A passerby located Deputy Cosby in his patrol car in a cottonfield 20 yards off of the highway. The man was convicted of murder and sentenced to three life sentences. Deputy Cosby had served with the Panola County Sheriff's Department for 13 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Cosby gave the Panola County Sheriff's Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Batesville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Cosby.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Joe is the only officer of Panola County Sheriff's Department remembered here.
Joe is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Joe is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joe is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1988, 3 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joe was 47. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Joe had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Joe was 47. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Joe had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joe was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joe had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.7% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Fridays: 14%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Panola County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 9.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Panola County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.