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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Ryals and Deputized Civilian Alfred Camp were shot and killed while attempting to arrest two robbery suspects in Monroe.
Deputy Ryals had deputized Alfred Camp and his father two assist with arresting the two men who had robbed a hardware store in Wheatley the previous night. As they approached the pair one of the men opened fire with a shotgun, killing Deputy Ryals and Deputized Civilian Camp, and wounding Deputy Civilian Camp's father.
The men fled into a nearby swamp but were arrested several hours later. One, age 21, was charged with both murders. On May 1, 1922, he was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to death. His sentenced was commuted to life on October 18, 1922.
Deputy Ryals was a widower.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Ryals served with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Clarendon community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Ryals.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Monroe County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James 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, 4 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
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
James was 69. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42.
James was 69. 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.
James was 69. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
March holds 10.4% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Saturdays: 16.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.6% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Monroe County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Monroe County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
