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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Glendal Archer, Sheriff Douglas Batey, and Deputy Sheriff Troy Key were shot and killed in McDougal as they attempted to serve a warrant for assault with intent to kill. As they exited their vehicles in the suspect's driveway, the man opened fire with a 12-gauge shotgun. Sheriff Batey and Deputy Archer were killed instantly. Deputy Key succumbed to his wounds 10 days later. A fourth responding officer found the suspect sitting on the tailgate of his truck and arrested him without incident. He was convicted of three counts of first degree murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison March 12th, 1984. Deputy Archer had served with the Clay County Sheriff's Department for four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and five 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.
Deputy Sheriff Archer gave the Clay County Sheriff's Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Piggott community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Archer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Clay County Sheriff's Department has lost 5 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Glendal is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Glendal is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Glendal 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 1972, 3 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1972, 142 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 28th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1972, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Glendal was 35. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42. Glendal had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Glendal was 35. 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. Glendal had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Glendal was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Glendal had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 10.8% of these deaths in AR, more than any other month. Thursdays: 18.1%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 80% of all 5 deaths at Clay County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 75% 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 27,551 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.
His people
Clay County Sheriff's Department has 5 officers remembered here, Glendal among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Clay County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
