Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy David Stewart was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on Island 37 in the Mississippi River.
Several blind tigers and gambling houses were located on the island. Deputy Stewart, who lived on the island, was deputized in order to serve warrants to the operators of the establishments.
The murder occurred when one of the owners snuck up behind Deputy Stewart, who was deaf, and shot him in the back of the head in retaliation for his work as a deputy. The suspect was arrested in Arkansas, brought back to Tennessee and charged with second degree murder.
The suspect fled to Arkansas where he was apprehended.
Special Deputy Stewart, On today, the 110th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Tipton County.
BPA Mike Casey United States Border Patrol(Retired) May 2nd, 2025
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-TN-779DAF7D- 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.
Special Deputy Stewart served with the Tipton County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Covington community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Special Deputy Stewart.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Special Deputy David W. Stewart 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 Tipton County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 5 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. David W. Stewart's cause is highlighted.
How David W. Stewart Compares
Offender Outcome
Charged with murder
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. David W. Stewart is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. David W. Stewart was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Tipton County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
