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 for 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 was a United States Army World War II veteran and 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
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Heart attack
Weapon Person
Offender Charges dismissed

prisoner custody, Protest

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Most Recent Reflection

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Investigator Cowart,
On today, the 60th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 6, 2025