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Incident
Policeman Lem McPherson was shot and killed from ambush by a man who held a grudge against him.
The man had just been released from prison after serving a nine-month term. The man had been searching for Officer McPherson and when he located him, opened fire with a 12 gauge shotgun, striking him twice.
The man fled but was arrested the following day and charged with Policeman McPherson's murder. He was convicted of second-degree murder only 10 days later and sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Policeman McPherson had served with the Fayetteville Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Policeman McPherson gave the Fayetteville Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Fayetteville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman McPherson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Fayetteville Police Department has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Lem is one of 249 officers killed feloniously in AR, 66.9% of the 372 remembered there.
Lem is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Lem is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1928, 4 officers in AR were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 106 years on record. The heaviest was 1911, with 8.
In 1928, 201 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1928, 202 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 15th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Lem was 48. Of the 214 killed feloniously in AR whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 49; the middle age was 42. Lem had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Lem was 48. 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. Lem had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Lem was 48. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Lem had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
April holds 10.8% of these deaths in AR, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.9%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Fayetteville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 66.9% of all 372 deaths in AR, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, 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 shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 12 gauge, in 0.2% of these deaths.
His people
Fayetteville Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Lem among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Fayetteville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
