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Incident
Sheriff Marion Swords was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a fugitive near Opelousas, Louisiana. Two deputized civilians who were assisting Sheriff Swords were seriously wounded. The suspect was convicted of Sheriff Swords' murder and sentenced to death. He was executed by hanging on October 19, 1917. Sheriff Swords had served with the agency for 16 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
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.
Sheriff Swords gave the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Opelousas community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Swords.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Marion is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
Marion is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Marion 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 1916, 2 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Marion was 59. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40. Marion had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 8 years.
Marion was 59. 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. Marion had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Marion was 59. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Marion had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 11.3% of these deaths in LA, more than any other month. Mondays: 12.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.4% 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 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Marion among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
