Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Harper was killed and another deputy was wounded after being shot while responding to a call of gunshots at a residence. Deputy Harper encountered a vehicle involved in the incident on Arkansas 75 south of Marked Tree and began struggling with the subject. Deputy Harper was shot in the head at close range. The second deputy arrived moments later and saw the suspect standing over Deputy Harper's body. As the second deputy asked what was happening, the suspect opened fire and shot him in the shoulder and stomach. The suspect was later found dead after being surrounded by members of Arkansas State Police in an abandoned house. Deputy Harper had served with the Poinsett County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AR-8CFC2FB2- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Harper gave the Poinsett County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Harrisburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Harper.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy James Clarence Harper is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 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 12.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Poinsett County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Clarence Harper's cause is highlighted.
How James Clarence Harper Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Clarence Harper is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Clarence Harper was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Poinsett County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
