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Incident
Detective J. David Mandrell was shot and killed in an ambush while working undercover on a cattle rustling case near Olinda. He and an informant had entered a barn in Robertson County, 500 feet south of the Kentucky border, in an attempt to purchase 15 heads of cattle as part of the ongoing investigation. As he entered a barn he was shot in the back by a 16-year-old boy who was hiding in a stable approximately 10 feet away. After falling to the ground the suspect walked up to him and shot him again in the face with a 30-06 rifle. The juvenile's older brother then fatally shot the informant as the man fled into an adjacent cornfield. Both brothers then stole the cash that Detective Mandrell had brought to purchase the stolen cattle. The boy and his older brother were both arrested and charged with two counts of murder. The older brother was convicted and sentenced to two life terms in prison. Detective Mandrell had served with the Sumner County Sheriff's Office for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two daughters, three sisters, and one brother.
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.
Detective Mandrell gave the Sumner County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Gallatin community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Mandrell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Sumner County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 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 1988, 2 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 44. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 44. 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 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 44. 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 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 8.4% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Sumner County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 4% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Sumner County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 46-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Sumner County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
