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Incident
Jailer Russ Harris was shot and killed by an inmate who was attempting to escape from the Hinds County Jail at 2:30 p.m.
The inmate's two sisters smuggled a handgun to the prisoner earlier in the day. When Jailer Harris brought the inmate his lunch, the inmate shot him. Despite being shot, Jailer Harris was able to shoot and kill the prisoner after overpowering him and gaining control of the handgun. Jailer Harris then walked to the sheriff's office, where he told the sheriff what had happened before dying.
The inmate had been sentenced to death for the murders of Federal Prohibition Agent Jacob Green and Town Marshal William Dunnam of the Richton Police Department.
The sisters pleaded guilty, and one was sentenced to two years in prison and the other six months.
Jailer Harris had served with the Hinds County Sheriff's Office for 10 years and previously served with the Jackson Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by three sisters and three brothers.
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.
Jailer Harris gave the Hinds County Sheriff's Office 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jackson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Jailer Harris.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hinds County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John 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 1922, 1 officer in MS was killed feloniously, the 70th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1922, 228 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1922, 306 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 50. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
John was 50. 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. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 50. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 5.3% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Tuesdays: 11.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Hinds County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 16% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Hinds County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 15-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Hinds County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
