Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Art Wilson was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had murdered three other people over the affections of a 15-year-old girl. The suspect, who was arguing with a man, shot and killed him and the girl's parents. As the suspect was dragging the girl from her home to his cabin eight miles away, he met Deputy Wilson and shot and killed him. He left the girl at his cabin and was captured without incident the next day. The girl was found in state of shock, unable to talk, after witnessing all four murders. The suspect, age 33, spent the rest of his life in Stillwater Penitentiary.
Survivors
Deputy Wilson was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MN-5C755104- 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 James. 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 Wilson served with the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Bemidji community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Wilson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff James Arthur Wilson 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 MN, 173 of 293 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59% of this state's fallen. That is 4.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Beltrami 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. James Arthur Wilson's cause is highlighted.
How James Arthur Wilson Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Arthur Wilson is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Arthur Wilson was killed by rifle.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Beltrami County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
