Roll of Honor
Incident
Constable Willis Herrington was shot and killed while attempting to serve a writ on a man allowing seizure of a wagon on which $25 was owed. Constable Herrington located the man in the Skiffer community between McGree and Prentiss. When the man interfered with the service, Constable Herrington and his brother tried to arrest him. The man resisted, ran into his house, grabbed a shotgun, and opened fire. Constable Herrington was killed instantly and his brother was seriously wounded. The 24-year-old subject was apprehended two days later near Prentiss. He was convicted of murder and executed in the electric chair on July 25th, 1952.
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BO-US-MS-C48DB1B8- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Constable Herrington served with the Simpson County Constable's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Mendenhall community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Herrington.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Constable Willis Bernice Herrington 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 MS, 242 of 349 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.3% of this state's fallen. That is 15.1 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Simpson County Constable'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. Willis Bernice Herrington's cause is highlighted.
How Willis Bernice Herrington Compares
Offender Outcome
Executed in 1952
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Willis Bernice Herrington is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Willis Bernice Herrington was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Simpson County Constable's Office are honored on badge.nw.
