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Incident
Deputy Jason Acton and Jail Supervisor Leon Egley were shot and killed during an attempted jailbreak at rural Randolph County Jail at 372 State Highway JJ in Huntsville.
At approximately 12:45 am, a man and a woman rang the night buzzer at the jail. After being let in, the suspects opened fire on the two deputies, killing them both. Following department regulations, both officers were unarmed while in jail facilities. There was no barrier separating the deputies from visitors in the lobby.
The two suspects were attempting to free a friend who was incarcerated. After they were unable to find keys to the cells, the two suspects fled but were arrested in Kansas later in the day.
The male suspect was convicted and sentenced to death. He was executed on June 6, 2023. The female suspect pled guilty to murder and was sentenced to life in prison. The incarcerated friend who planned the jailbreak was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
The jail was redesigned following the incident to include barriers and videotaped surveillance.
Deputy Acton had served with the Randolph County Sheriff's Department for two months.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents, a brother, and a fiancee.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Acton served with the Randolph County Sheriff's Department.
Thank you for your service to the Moberly community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Acton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Randolph County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Jason is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Jason is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Jason is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2000, 4 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 41st heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 2000, 71 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 100th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2000, 73 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 102nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Jason was 36. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Jason had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jason was 36. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Jason had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Jason was 36. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Jason had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.7% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Thursdays: 12%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Randolph County Sheriff's Department.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, 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 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Randolph County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Jason among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 42-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Randolph County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
