Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Marion Swords was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a fugitive near Opelousas, Louisiana. Two deputized civilians who were assisting Sheriff Swords were seriously wounded. The suspect was convicted of Sheriff Swords' murder and sentenced to death. He was executed by hanging on October 19, 1917. Sheriff Swords had served with the agency for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-LA-8C4A8C6B- 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.
Sheriff Swords gave the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Opelousas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Swords.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff Marion Louis Swords 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 LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Marion Louis Swords's cause is highlighted.
How Marion Louis Swords Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1917
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Marion Louis Swords is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Marion Louis Swords was killed by rifle; .44 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
