True Crime Chronicles: Fayetteville remembers and honors Black officer killed while on patrol in 1928

Artist rendition

On April 28, 1928, Patrolman Lemule “Lem” McPherson of the Fayetteville Police Department was shot and killed in the line of duty in the Tin Cup neighborhood located on the East End of the city.

McPherson, a Black officer, was patrolling the historically Black area of the Washington County seat when he encountered Everett “Eb” Williams, a recently released convict. During the confrontation, Williams shot McPherson, who died from his injuries.

McPherson left behind a wife and three children.

Williams fled the scene but was captured after a week-long manhunt on May 4, 1928, in a nearby wooded area. He was charged with murder and stood trial in Washington County Circuit Court.

On June 15, 1928, a jury convicted Williams of second-degree murder after deliberating for less than two hours, according to historical court records.

The judge sentenced him to 21 years in the Arkansas State Penitentiary. Williams was paroled after serving 12 years and died in 1955. McPherson’s death was a significant loss for the community and the police department.

McPherson is one of two Fayetteville officers killed in the line of duty since 1870, alongside City Marshal William Patton, who died in 1881. His name is listed on the Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP) and honored at annual police memorials.

The Fayetteville Police Department holds a moment of silence each April 28 for McPherson.

Some community members have proposed a plaque or street naming to honor McPherson.