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Incident
Sheriff William Preston and Deputy Sheriff Barney Stiel, of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed by two brothers they were attempting to arrest near Dumas.
As Sheriff Preston and several of his deputies approached the suspect's cabin one of the brothers opened fire killing the sheriff instantly. As Deputy Stiel returned fire killing his sheriff's murderer the other suspect opened fire killing him. The other deputies shot and killed his killer and shot and seriously wounded their father as he arrived on the scene firing his rifle at them.
The next morning the suspect's father was seized from the local jail by a mob and hanged from a water tank just outside of town on the Iron Mountain Railroad.
Sheriff William Preston and Deputy Sheriff Barney Stiel, of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed by two brothers they were attempting to arrest near Dumas.
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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.
Sheriff Preston served with the Desha County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Arkansas City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Preston.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Desha County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William 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 1911, 8 officers in AR were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1911, 149 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1911, 150 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 33rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 44. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42.
William was 44. 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.
William was 44. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Tuesdays: 12.9%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Desha County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 1.6% 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 handgun; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Desha County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Desha County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
