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Incident
City Marshal William Rainbolt and Chief Deputy Sheriff William Murphree, of the St. Francis County Sheriff's Office, were shot and killed by a subject who was wanted for brandishing a pistol.
A farmer had told Chief Deputy Murphree that the man had displayed a pistol at the man's farmhands and told them to leave the farm. Chief Deputy Murphree and another deputy went to the farm but were not able to locate the man and returned to Forrest City where they encountered a woman who had just been assaulted by the man. The deputies located the man near the corner of Front Street and South Rosser Street and began to approach him.
The subject suddenly produced a handgun and opened fire, striking Chief Deputy Murphree in the chest. City Marshal Rainbolt heard the shots and rode his horse to the scene. He was told the man had fled toward the Iron Mountain Railroad depot to the northwest. As he closed in on the man the two exchanged shots and were both wounded. Another deputy fatally shot the subject as he lay on the ground.
Marshal Rainbolt was taken to his home where he died approximately two hours later. Chief Deputy Murphree was taken to a local drug store where he died shortly after midnight.
Marshal Rainbolt had served as the elected city marshal for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
City Marshal Rainbolt gave the Forrest City Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Forrest City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Rainbolt.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Forrest City Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 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 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 1904, 3 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1904, 83 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1904, 83 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 85th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 48. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
William was 48. 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. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.8% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Saturdays: 16.9%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Forrest City Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Forrest City Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Forrest City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
