Roll of Honor
Incident
Town Marshal John Norris was shot and killed while attempting to cut a raft loose that was tied up along the shore of the Black River. A man who lived in a houseboat on the river confronted Marshal Norris and told him not to cut the raft loose. As Marshal Norris continued to cut the raft free the man fatally shot him. The subject was arrested and taken to the county jail. An angry mob of 200 citizens removed him from the jail two days later and lynched him.
Survivors
Marshal Norris was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AR-24B365DF- 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 John. 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.
Town Marshal Norris served with the Pocahontas Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Pocahontas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Norris.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Town Marshal John Z. Norris 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 Pocahontas Police Department, 4 of 4 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. John Z. Norris's cause is highlighted.
How John Z. Norris Compares
Offender Outcome
Lynched
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John Z. Norris is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John Z. Norris was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Pocahontas Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
