Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Harold Matthews was shot and killed while participating in a raid to apprehended a fugitive wanted for the murders of Marshal Kenneth Muir and Deputy Marshal Robert Cheshire, of the United States Marshal's Service, in Medina, North Dakota. The suspect, who was a member of an anti-government organization, had fled to Arkansas and holed up in a home that built into a hillside. As Sheriff Matthews and several other officers entered the home shots were exchanged. One of the rounds struck Sheriff Matthews in an area not protected by his vest, causing a fatal wound. The suspect was also shot and killed in the same incident Sheriff Matthews was killed.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AR-FEB6B8C8- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Harold. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Matthews served with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Walnut Ridge community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Matthews.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Harold Gene Matthews is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In AR, 249 of 372 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.9% of this state's fallen. That is 66.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Harold Gene Matthews's cause is highlighted.
How Harold Gene Matthews Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Harold Gene Matthews is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Harold Gene Matthews was killed by rifle.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Lawrence County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.