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Incident
Sheriff Benjamin Keith was fatally wounded as he confronted a fugitive who was wanted for murdering a boy in neighboring Fannin County.
When Sheriff Keith ordered the fugitive to halt and surrender himself, the fugitive opened fire, striking Sheriff Keith in the abdomen.
In spite of his injury, Sheriff Keith was able to complete the arrest and escort the shooter to Spring Place jail. Shortly afterwards, his condition worsened, and he succumbed to his wounds five days later.
Sheriff Keith's killer, age 31, was convicted of murder in at least two separate trials and was sentenced to death. However, shortly before the date he was scheduled to be hanged, the governor commuted his sentence to life in prison. He escaped from prison on Christmas Day 1923.
Sheriff Keith was survived by his parents, siblings, wife, and three children.
Survivors
Sheriff Keith was survived by his parents, siblings, wife, and three 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 Keith served with the Murray County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Chatsworth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Keith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Murray County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Benjamin is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Benjamin is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Benjamin 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 1907, 8 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1907, 108 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1907, 109 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Benjamin was 33. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
Benjamin 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.
Benjamin was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 8.6% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Sundays: 16.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Murray County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 15.3% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Murray County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Benjamin among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Murray County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
