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Incident
Jailer Harry Davis was shot and killed by a man who opened fire on the county jail's lobby using a high powered rifle at approximately 1:15 am.
Jailer Davis was sitting in the lobby when the man entered and opened fire from outside of the building in Marshalltown, firing a rifle and a revolver through the front windows. The subject was captured later in the day and charged with first-degree murder.
It is believed he mistook Jailer Davis for the county sheriff, whom he held a grudge against.
Jailer Davis had served with the Marshall County Sheriff's Office as a part-time jailer for only two weeks.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
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.
Jailer Davis served with the Marshall County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Marshalltown community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Jailer Davis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Harry is the only officer of Marshall County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Harry is one of 129 officers killed feloniously in IA, 57.1% of the 226 remembered there.
Harry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harry 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, 1 officer in IA was killed feloniously, the 32nd heaviest of 76 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 5.
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
Harry was 46. Of the 115 killed feloniously in IA whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 51; the middle age was 41. Harry had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Harry was 46. 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. Harry had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Harry was 46. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Harry had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.8% of these deaths in IA; July holds the most, 16.3%. Saturdays: 22.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Marshall County Sheriff's Office.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 226 deaths in IA, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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