Deputy Sheriff Bill Jean Lea, a 42-year-old White male, was killed while serving divorce papers in Mena, Arkansas, on April 29, 1976. Lea and the Polk County Sheriff went to a woman’s home after she reported her estranged husband was there. As Lea stepped onto the porch and the woman opened the door, a man’s voice inside declared he was going to kill someone. The husband then emerged armed with a .38 caliber handgun and fired one shot, striking Deputy Lea in the chest.

The sheriff wrestled the weapon away, pulled the shooter from the house and, after a prolonged struggle, subdued and handcuffed him. Deputy Lea died at the scene; he left a wife and five children. The shooter was taken into custody, later tried and convicted for the murder and sentenced to life in prison.