Prev
Incident
Sergeant Jacquelyn Sherrill was shot and killed by a suspect who was resisting arrest at 500 East Side Ave in Hattiesburg. Sergeant Sherrill, was in plain clothes at the time when three uniformed officers were struggling with the suspect. They were attempting to serve an arrest warrant on a 48 year old male for incest involving a juvenile. The suspect obtained control of one of the officer's service revolver and discharged the weapon multiple times. One shot struck Sergeant Sherrill, who came to assist the officers, killing her. The subject was sentenced to death. However, his death sentenced was overturned by the Mississippi State Supreme Court. The court ruled that there was reasonable doubt the subject was aware that the victim was an officer, since she was not in uniform. The subject was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. Currently, the subject is eligible for parole. Sergeant Sherrill was the first woman killed in the line of duty in the State of Mississippi.
Survivors
She was survived by her husband, a Police Captain, a daughter, a son, and her parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnb488sdxxxh0n3218rk- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Jacquelyn. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Sherrill gave the Hattiesburg Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hattiesburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Sherrill.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Hattiesburg Police Department has lost 6 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Jacquelyn is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Jacquelyn is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jacquelyn is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1984, 1 officer at Hattiesburg Police Department was killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 1952, with 2.
In 1984, 4 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1984, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1984, 104 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jacquelyn was 33. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Hattiesburg Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 33.8; the middle age was 32.5. Jacquelyn had served 10.6 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Jacquelyn was 33. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Jacquelyn had served 10.6 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Jacquelyn was 33. 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. Jacquelyn had served 10.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jacquelyn was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jacquelyn had served 10.6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 16.7% of these deaths at Hattiesburg Police Department; May holds the most, 50%. Mondays: 16.7%.
December holds 12.3% of these deaths in MS, more than any other month. Mondays: 12.8%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Hattiesburg Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 16.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 9.1% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Her people
Hattiesburg Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Jacquelyn among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Hattiesburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
