Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Freeman was shot and killed by a youth, 18, who was trying to break his girlfriend out of the State School for the feeble-minded in Marshall.
The youth, a former inmate at the school, had been on a robbery spree over the previous week, having robbed businesses in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago. Following the robberies in St. Louis, the suspect boarded a bus to Marshall, where he intended to carry out his plan regarding his 18-year-old girlfriend.
The suspect was recognized as a former patient, and the staff noticed he had a revolver in his waistband. The staff called the sheriff's department, and Deputy Freeman responded to the scene. When he arrived at the scene, a struggle ensued over the control of the suspect's gun. Deputy Freeman was shot twice, and a dentist at the school was shot once. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Freeman was able to return fire and wounded the suspect. The suspect fled to Kansas City, where he was arrested.
On November 8, 1948, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On September 22 and 23, 1954, he was one of six inmates who set fires that damaged millions of dollars at the Missouri State Penitentiary during a prison riot. On February 24, 1955, he was convicted of arson and got 15 years added to his life sentence.
Deputy Freeman had served with the Saline County Sheriff's Department and previously served with the Marshall Police Department.
On November 8, 1948, the suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On September 22 and 23, 1954, he was one of six inmates who set fires that damaged millions of dollars at the Missouri State Penitentiary during a prison riot. On February 24, 1955, he was convicted of arson and got 15 years added to his life sentence.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Freeman gave the Saline County Sheriff's Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Marshall community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Freeman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff James Oren Freeman is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 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 9.6 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Oren Freeman's cause is highlighted.
How James Oren Freeman Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Oren Freeman is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Oren Freeman was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.