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Incident
Sheriff John Phillips was shot and killed at a home ten miles north of Huntsville when he attempted to arrest an 84-year-old man for shooting at another man. As Sheriff Phillips' deputy read the warrant the subject grabbed a shotgun from under some clothes on his bed and shot Sheriff Phillips, killing him instantly. The subject was apprehended near Huntsville several hours later.
The suspect was convicted of Sheriff Phillips' murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison on June 17th, 1931.
At the time of his death, Sheriff Phillips had only nine days left to serve in office.
Survivors
He 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.
Sheriff Phillips served with the Madison County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Huntsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Phillips.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Madison County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 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 1930, 3 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 75. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42.
John was 75. 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 was 75. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Mondays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Madison County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, 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 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
Madison County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Madison County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
