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Incident
Marshal Richardson was shot and killed when he responded to a disturbance involving a local pastor. As he spoke with the pastor the man's two sons approached the marshal from behind and one of them shot him several times in the back.
The suspect was captured the next day and taken to a tree near the scene of the crime and hanged.
Marshal Richardson had been with the agency for 1 year. At the time of his murder, Marshal Richardson had only 38 days left to serve as town marshal.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
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
You barely got started.
Town Marshal Richardson gave the Gulfport Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Gulfport community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Richardson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Gulfport Police Department has lost 8 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1900, 1 officer at Gulfport Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1900, 1 officer in MS was killed feloniously, the 70th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1900, 86 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 74th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1900, 89 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 77th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 33. Of the 6 killed feloniously at Gulfport Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 33.3 and 41.5; the middle age was 35.5. Walter had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 1.7 years.
Walter was 33. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Walter had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Walter was 33. 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. Walter had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 16.7% of these deaths at Gulfport Police Department; January holds the most, 16.7%. Wednesdays: 33.3%.
December holds 12.3% of these deaths in MS, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 16.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 8 deaths at Gulfport Police Department, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Gulfport Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 34-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Gulfport Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
