Incident
Guard J.G. Smith was overpowered and killed by three escaping inmates at the state prison in Hattiesburg.
Two of the inmates were lynched by a mob that evening. The third inmate was captured, convicted of Guard Smith's murder, and sentenced to death.
J.G., On today, the 120th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Mississippi. There is no tougher job in Law Enforcement than that of a Corrections Officer.
BPA Mike Casey United States Border Patrol(Retired) August 4th, 2025
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-MS-74AE1BB4- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Guard Smith served with the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Thank you for your service to the people of Mississippi. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Guard Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Guard J. G. Smith 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 97,756 officers honored here.
In MS, 242 of 349 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.3% of this state's fallen. That is 69.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Mississippi Department of Corrections, 7 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 77.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. J. G. Smith's cause is highlighted.
How J. G. Smith Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. J. G. Smith is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. J. G. Smith was killed by person.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Mississippi Department of Corrections are honored on badge.nw.




