Prev
Incident
Corporal James Crump and Officer Arnold Strickland were shot and killed at 5:30 am when a suspect grabbed the service weapon of one of the officers and opened fire.
The officers were booking the suspect at the police department for operating a stolen vehicle when the incident occurred. Besides killing both officers, the suspect also shot and killed Dispatcher Leslie "Ace" Mealer, who was in the dispatcher's office at the time. The suspect then stole a patrol car and fled the scene. Deputies from the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office, Mississippi, apprehended the suspect three hours later.
The suspect, 18, was convicted of capital murder and was sentenced to death on October 6, 2005.
The Fayette Police Department is a 14-person law enforcement agency.
Corporal Crump had ten years of law enforcement experience and had served with the Fayette Police Department for two and a half years.
Survivors
He is survived by his son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp8y2p5dt1erjx3yh45p- 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 James. 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.
Corporal Crump gave the Fayette Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fayette community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Crump.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Fayette Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 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 2003, 3 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 2003, 64 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2003, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 40. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
James was 40. 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 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 40. 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 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 9.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Saturdays: 15.8%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Fayette Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 6.7% 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Fayette Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 62-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Fayette Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
