Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective J. David Mandrell was shot and killed in an ambush while working undercover on a cattle rustling case near Olinda. He and an informant had entered a barn in Robertson County, 500 feet south of the Kentucky border, in an attempt to purchase 15 heads of cattle as part of the ongoing investigation. As he entered a barn he was shot in the back by a 16-year-old boy who was hiding in a stable approximately 10 feet away. After falling to the ground the suspect walked up to him and shot him again in the face with a 30-06 rifle. The juvenile's older brother then fatally shot the informant as the man fled into an adjacent cornfield. Both brothers then stole the cash that Detective Mandrell had brought to purchase the stolen cattle. The boy and his older brother were both arrested and charged with two counts of murder. The older brother was convicted and sentenced to two life terms in prison. Detective Mandrell had served with the Sumner County Sheriff's Office for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, three sisters, and one brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-094CA3D8- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Mandrell gave the Sumner County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gallatin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Mandrell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective James David Mandrell 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 TN, 498 of 769 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 64.8% of this state's fallen. That is 10.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Sumner 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. James David Mandrell's cause is highlighted.
How James David Mandrell Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James David Mandrell is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James David Mandrell was killed by rifle; .30-.06.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Sumner County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
