Prev
Incident
City Marshal Sam Watson was shot and killed as he entered the rear door of the police station after being called back to the station by dispatch.
The Justice of the Peace was arrested and charged with his murder.
Marshal Watson had served with the Okolona Police Department for 27 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtnjka2xf0wegqs4y3551- 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 Sam. 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
27 years. You could have gone home.
City Marshal Watson gave the Okolona Police Department 27 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Okolona community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, City Marshal Watson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Okolona Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Sam is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Sam is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Sam 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 1974, 4 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1974, 162 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1974, 178 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 22nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Sam was 61. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Sam had served 27 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Sam was 61. 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. Sam had served 27 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Sam was 61. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Sam had served 27 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 100% of all 2 deaths at Okolona Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, 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 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
Okolona Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Sam among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Okolona Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
