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Incident
City Marshal James Murphy was shot and killed as he and an Osage County sheriff's deputy attempted to arrest a man for stealing a team of mules.
They learned the man was staying at a farm six miles east of Fairfax and traveled to the location in a horse and buggy to locate him. Upon arriving at the farmhouse they were told the man was out in the fields. As the officers rode out to speak to him the man opened fire on them with a shotgun without warning. Marshal Murphy was struck in the chest and killed.
The man was captured two weeks later in Butler, Missouri. He was charged with Marshal Murphy's murder but convicted of manslaughter.
Marshal Murphy was survived by his wife and several children.
Survivors
Marshal Murphy was survived by his wife and several 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
City Marshal Murphy served with the Fairfax Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Fairfax community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Murphy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Fairfax Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 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 1912, 6 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1912, 133 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1912, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 32. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42.
James was 32. 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 was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
October holds 6.5% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Fairfax Police Department. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.4% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
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