Chief Deputy James Louis Wright

Chief Deputy James Louis Wright | Polk County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
Polk County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
Chief Deputy James Louis Wright

Polk County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Saturday, March 8, 1958

Add to My Heroes

James Louis Wright

Chief Deputy James Wright and Deputy Bob Rogers were shot and killed from ambush as they conducted a routine check of the Turtletown Grill on State Highway 68.

Two hidden gunmen opened fire on them with shotguns as they stepped out of their patrol car. Chief Deputy Wright and Deputy Rogers were both struck by the shotgun blasts and killed. A third deputy returned fire but did not strike the suspects.

The suspects were never identified. Authorities felt the murders were the result of years of feuding between county politicians and there was a question as to whether there were one or two suspects. Exactly one year later the tavern they were checking was bombed.

Chief Deputy Wright had served with the Polk County Sheriff's Office for nine years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters.

Bio

  • Age 49
  • Tour 9 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Never identified

AMBUSH

LODD Mapping FAQs

Related LODD Deaths

Most Recent Reflection

View all 20 Reflections

I was 2 when this happened. My father talked a lot about this through the years. As it goes there was lots of violence Above the mountains during that period. Many people just disappeared left the country or were killed because they crossed the wrong person or supported the opposition party. I believe Lewis served under Bud Payne who was the last GGL Sheriff.

Richard Taylor
Polk County

August 15, 2025

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.

Recent LODD Deaths