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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Kirby Shell was shot and killed in the Homochitto National Forest while assisting three conservation officers during an operation targeting night hunters illegally using headlights on deer. The officers encountered a group of three brothers hunting near the intersection of Highway 33 and Liberty Road, south of Roxie. The youngest brother, who was only 15-years-old, shot Deputy Shell with a 12-gauge shotgun. All three brothers were arrested and charged in connection with the murder. The juvenile who shot him was charged as an adult with murder. The other two brothers were charged with poaching crimes. On April 30, 1979, the youth was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 years in a youthful offenders institution. After serving four years, he was to be transferred to the state penitentiary with parole eligibility immediately. Deputy Shell had served with the Franklin County Sheriff's Department for 18 years, including three terms as the elected sheriff.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three brothers, and one sister.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Shell gave the Franklin County Sheriff's Office 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Meadville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Shell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Franklin County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Kirby is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Kirby is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Kirby is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1978, 5 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1978, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1978, 135 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Kirby was 70. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Kirby had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Kirby was 70. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Kirby had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Kirby was 70. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Kirby had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 12.3% of these deaths in MS, more than any other month. Sundays: 14.4%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 15.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Franklin County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Kirby among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 35-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Franklin County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
