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Incident
Sheriff James Robertson was shot and killed one mile west of Collins, Mississippi while attempting to arrest a suspect. The suspect, who was at home with his son-in-law, had been engaged in a fight earlier in the the day with a man in Collins. When Sheriff Robertson went to the suspect's home later that night to arrest him, the suspect escaped through a window and his son-on-law opened fire on Sheriff Robertson; killing him. The father-in-law was later arrested and was eventually acquitted by a jury in 1907. The son-in-law was never found.
Survivors
Sheriff Robertson was survived by his wife and nine children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Robertson served with the Covington County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Collins community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Robertson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Covington County Sheriff's Office remembered here.
James is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1906, 3 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1906, 89 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1906, 90 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 75th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 45. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41.
James was 45. 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.
James was 45. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 9.5% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Tuesdays: 11.5%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Covington County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was not available, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 0.4% 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 not available, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 0.4% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 19-W
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