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Incident
Patrolman Edward Virden was shot and killed inside the old city jail by a prisoner who was able to overpower and disarm him. The man had killed an automobile salesman and stole a car he was test driving in London, Kentucky, the previous day. The subject stole Patrolman Virden's service revolver and wallet and fled to Texas after shooting Patrolman Virden. A member of the Kingsville Police Department shot him during a traffic stop after the man pulled out Patrolman Virden's stolen revolver. He was extradited back to Arkansas where he was convicted of Patrolman Virden's murder and sentenced to life in the Arkansas State Prison. In 1968 he was granted a temporary furlough but failed to return and was charged with escape. He was recaptured in Kentucky on June 27th, 1974. As of 2021, he was still incarcerated and was Arkansas' longest-serving inmate. Patrolman Virden was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Army. One record, 2 gates. Edward is one person.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Virden gave the Prescott Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Prescott community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Edward Samuel Virden served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Prescott Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Edward is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Edward is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Edward is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1958, 2 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1958, 63 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 119th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1958, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Edward was 36. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42. Edward had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Edward was 36. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Edward was 36. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Edward had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Sundays: 11.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Prescott Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 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 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Prescott Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Edward among them.
Where
Military Service
Edward Samuel Virden served in the U.S. Army before joining law enforcement.
Visit Edward Samuel Virden’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-W
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Prescott Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
