Town Marshal J. T. ’Jake’ Trest, 52, was killed in Walnut Grove, Mississippi, on June 2, 1979 while investigating a burglary and assault at a 69-year-old woman’s home. According to reports, Trest was ambushed at the scene, overpowered and his service revolver taken. He was found beside his patrol car having been shot twice in the head; the wounds proved fatal. The attack on a local lawman shocked the small community.

Authorities identified and arrested a suspect, who was later tried, convicted and sentenced to death for the murder. The sentence was carried out on May 20, 1987. Any readers who knew Marshal Trest or have information about the case are asked to share what they remember.