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Incident
Town Marshal Christopher Chenault was shot and killed by a blacksmith who was having a disagreement with his employer over the ownership of tools.
The employer called Marshal Chenault after the man threatened him.
The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death July 9th, 1910. His attorney immediately appealed his conviction to the U.S. Supreme Court. Early the next morning an angry mob broke into the Rayville Jail, dragged the suspect from his cell, and hanged him from a tree on the same spot where he killed Marshal Chenault. A note was found pinned to the dead man's clothing which read "This is the outcome of the appeal."
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Town Marshal Chenault served with the Rayville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Rayville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Town Marshal Chenault.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rayville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Christopher is one of 364 officers killed feloniously in LA, 61.2% of the 595 remembered there.
Christopher is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Christopher 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 1910, 2 officers in LA were killed feloniously, the 61st heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1900, with 7.
In 1910, 121 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1910, 124 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 47th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Christopher was 54. Of the 310 killed feloniously in LA whose age is recorded, half were between 31.3 and 48; the middle age was 40.
Christopher was 54. 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.
Christopher was 54. 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 8.5% of these deaths in LA; July holds the most, 11.3%. Fridays: 15.9%.
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 2 deaths at Rayville Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.2% of all 595 deaths in LA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 13.7% 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
Rayville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Christopher among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Rayville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
