Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief Deputy Bob Smith and Sheriff Lish Barber were shot and killed after being requested to meet three subjects at a local business.
While talking with the three men, the former police chief of Texarkana and his two sons, an argument ensued and gunfire erupted. Both Sheriff Barber and Deputy Smith were shot and killed. One of the suspects was shot and wounded in return gunfire.
All three were arrested and charged in connection with the murders. The former chief was convicted of murder and sentenced to life.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AR-239FF948- 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 Robert. 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.
Chief Deputy Smith served with the Miller County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Texarkana community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief Deputy Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief Deputy Robert D. Smith 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 Miller County Sheriff's Office, 9 of 11 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 81.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert D. Smith's cause is highlighted.
How Robert D. Smith Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert D. Smith is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert D. Smith was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
10 officers from Miller County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
