Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Louis Miesner was shot and killed by a prisoner during an escape attempt at the Benton County Jail in Warsaw at 3 pm. Another prisoner told the subject where he could find a machine gun that was hidden behind a door. The subject opened fire on Sheriff Miesner in a stairwell, killing him instantly. The prisoner then ran out of the jail. Two days later, the suspect walked out of a Henry County farm field and surrendered to officers who had been pursuing him. He was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on April 17, 1945. The prisoner who told the suspect where to find the machine gun was also convicted of Sheriff Miesner's murder. He had planned the escape, which was to include him. He was sentenced to life in prison on April 10, 1945. On June 23, 1952, he and three other inmates escaped from prison and stole a car. He was captured near Warsaw, Missouri, six days later. 25 years was added to his sentence for automobile theft. Sheriff Miesner was a United States WWI Army veteran and had served as sheriff of Benton County Sheriff's Office for almost four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his mother and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-4FAA2DA1- 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 Louis. 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Sheriff Miesner gave the Benton County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Warsaw community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Louis J. Miesner served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Sheriff Louis J. Miesner 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 MO, 516 of 813 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.5% of this state's fallen. That is 9.3 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Benton County 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. Louis J. Miesner's cause is highlighted.
How Louis J. Miesner Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Louis J. Miesner is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Louis J. Miesner was killed by rifle; machine gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Benton County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
