In the line of duty, Hughes Police Department Officer Jessie James Morgan, a 69-year-old male, lost his life on the last day of 1968. On that Tuesday, December 31st, he was responding to a robbery in progress. As he arrived at the scene, the four individuals suspected of the crime were exiting the store.
Without warning, the suspects opened fire on Officer Morgan. He was struck multiple times in the back and tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The sudden and violent end to his watch sent shockwaves through the Hughes, Arkansas community.
An investigation led to the apprehension of four suspects in connection with the murder of Officer Morgan. The group consisted of a father and son, aged 40 and 17 respectively, along with two other men, aged 18 and 24. All four were subsequently convicted for their roles in the officer's death.
Following their convictions, each of the four men was sentenced to death. However, in 1970, these sentences were commuted to life in prison. Over the years, the perpetrators of Officer Morgan's murder saw changes to their sentences. The 17-year-old was considered for parole in 1984 and was released at some point before July 16, 1990. His father was also released at some point before his death a year later.
