Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Kirby Shell was shot and killed in the Homochitto National Forest while assisting three conservation officers during an operation targeting night hunters illegally using headlights on deer. The officers encountered a group of three brothers hunting near the intersection of Highway 33 and Liberty Road, south of Roxie. The youngest brother, who was only 15-years-old, shot Deputy Shell with a 12-gauge shotgun. All three brothers were arrested and charged in connection with the murder. The juvenile who shot him was charged as an adult with murder. The other two brothers were charged with poaching crimes. On April 30, 1979, the youth was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 years in a youthful offenders institution. After serving four years, he was to be transferred to the state penitentiary with parole eligibility immediately. Deputy Shell had served with the Franklin County Sheriff's Department for 18 years, including three terms as the elected sheriff.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three brothers, and one sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MS-DA4E6E40- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Kirby. 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.
Deputy Sheriff Shell gave the Franklin County Sheriff's Office 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Meadville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Shell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Kirby Shell 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 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 15.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Franklin County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 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. Kirby Shell's cause is highlighted.
How Kirby Shell Compares
Offender Outcome
poacher
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Kirby Shell is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Kirby Shell was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Franklin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
