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James P. Rutland
Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Rutland and Deputy Sheriff Thomas Bourne were shot and killed by a prisoner they were transporting to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County to begin a 40-year prison term after being convicted of manslaughter, aggravated assault, and escape. The inmate had somehow concealed a handgun and shot them both in the head as they were on Route 13 south of Mendenhall. The patrol car did not have a cage. A female prisoner who was also being transported was not hurt. The subject was convicted of capital murder for killing Deputy Bourne and Deputy Rutland and was subsequently sentenced to death. Deputy Rutland had served with the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department for two years and previously served with the Monticello Police Department and Pearl Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, and stepchildren.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Rutland gave the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Prentiss community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Rutland.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1997, 5 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1997, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1997, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 53. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
James was 53. 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. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 53. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 9.1% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Fridays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 16% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 51-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Jefferson Davis County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
