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Incident
Sheriff Cochran was stabbed to death by a prisoner while transporting the man to another location.
The prisoner, who was not restrained, produced a concealed knife and stabbed the sheriff several times. The man escaped but was apprehended a short time later.
The suspect was sent to a mental institution, where he died on September 11, 1872, from consumption.
Sheriff Cochran had been with the Trinity County Sheriff's Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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
158 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Sheriff Cochran gave the Trinity County Sheriff's Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Weaverville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Trinity County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1868, 1 officer in CA was killed feloniously, the 145th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1868, 20 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 161st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1868, 26 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 160th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 33. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 33. 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. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 7.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 12%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Trinity County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.5% 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 edged weapon; knife, in 0.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was edged weapon; knife, in 0.7% of these deaths.
His people
Trinity County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Trinity County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
