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Incident
Sheriff Harold Matthews was shot and killed while participating in a raid to apprehended a fugitive wanted for the murders of Marshal Kenneth Muir and Deputy Marshal Robert Cheshire, of the United States Marshal's Service, in Medina, North Dakota. The suspect, who was a member of an anti-government organization, had fled to Arkansas and holed up in a home that built into a hillside. As Sheriff Matthews and several other officers entered the home shots were exchanged. One of the rounds struck Sheriff Matthews in an area not protected by his vest, causing a fatal wound. The suspect was also shot and killed in the same incident Sheriff Matthews was killed.
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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.
Sheriff Matthews served with the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Walnut Ridge community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Matthews.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Harold is the only officer of Lawrence County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
Harold is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Harold is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Harold 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 1983, 1 officer in AR was killed feloniously, the 68th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1983, 106 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1983, 128 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Harold was 38. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42.
Harold was 38. 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.
Harold was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 8.4% of these deaths in AR; April holds the most, 10.8%. Fridays: 13.3%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Lawrence County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.2% 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.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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