Investigator B. Cowart, Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Investigator B. Cowart

Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi

End of Watch Friday, August 6, 1965

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B. Cowart

Investigator B. Cowart suffered a fatal heart attack after being assaulted by a prisoner at the Clay County Jail.

He was assisting West Point police officers with a civil rights march of students at Mississippi State University and was searching a student who had been arrested for blocking a sidewalk. The student suddenly spun around, grabbed Investigator Cowart, and pushed him to the ground. Investigator Cowart suffered a heart attack and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The student was charged with manslaughter but the charges were later dismissed.

Investigator Cowart had served with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for 19 years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and four siblings.

Bio

Age 53
Tour 19 years
Badge B-13

Incident Details

Cause Heart attack
Weapon Person
Offender Charges dismissed

prisoner custody

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Most Recent Reflection

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Mrs. McDurmond, I remember your dad from way back in the early 1950s when my family lived on White Dr. and a few years later when he unforgettably entertained my Cub Scout Den with rides in his patrol car. There are a few other memories too, and all reinforce him as being incredibly kind! I recalled these stories to my grandsons in recent months as they were relating their own Scouting adventures to me. Afterward, my wife looked him up on this website where I saw your name and comments.
Best Regards, John G Taylor

John G Taylor
Former Neighbor

August 3, 2023