Incident
Sheriff James Bishop was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance at the Boostrom Apartments in Green Forest at 9:30 p.m. The suspect was a long-time acquaintance of the sheriff. When the sheriff approached his apartment, he identified himself, but the suspect opened fire, killing him. Then he turned and shot his wife. Sheriff Bishop returned fire before collapsing, wounding the suspect. Sheriff Bishop was transported to Boone County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The suspect and his wife recovered from their wounds. On December 10th, 1969, the suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Sheriff Bishop has served as Sheriff of the Carroll County Sheriff's Department for six years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and ten children.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-AR-81B58C4E- Stewardship
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- 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 Bishop gave the Carroll County Sheriff's Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Berryville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Bishop.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff James Orval Bishop 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Orval Bishop's cause is highlighted.
How James Orval Bishop Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 15 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Orval Bishop is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Orval Bishop was killed by gun; unknown type.