Slain Mississippi Officers Mourned, 4 Suspects to Appear in Court
One of the slain officers was shot in the face and the other under his vest, according to Commissioner of Public Safety Albert Santa Cruz.

Hattiesburg police officers Benjamin Deen, 34, and Liquori Tate, 25, were killed May 10 during a traffic stop. (Photo: Hattiesburg PD)
Two slain Hattiesburg, Miss., police officers were remembered Monday during a ceremony held for the grand opening of the state's new crime lab in Pearl.
As part of the ceremony, the U.S. flag was lowered to half-staff to honor officers Benjamin Deen, 34, and Liquori Tate, 25, who were shot and killed late Saturday during a traffic stop, WAPT TV reports.
One of the slain officers was shot in the face and the other under his vest, according to Commissioner of Public Safety Albert Santa Cruz.
Police arrested Marvin Banks, 29, and Joanie Calloway, 22, each of whom is charged with two counts of capital murder, said Warren Strain, a spokesman for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Banks' 26-year-old brother, Curtis Banks, has been charged with two counts of accessory after the fact of capital murder.
Cornelius Clark, 28, of Hattiesburg, was arrested Sunday and charged with obstruction of justice, according to Strain.
The U.S. flag flew at half-staff outside the Hattiesburg Police Department, and red roses placed on a concrete sign wilted under the hot afternoon sun.
For many in the small Mississippi community of Hattiesburg, the first death of an officer in the line of duty in three decades was a shock.
Before Saturday's shootings, the last Hattiesburg officer who died in the line of duty was Sgt. Jackie Dole Sherrill, who was killed on New Year's Eve 1984 while trying to serve a warrant on a suspect.
Related Articles:
2 Mississippi Officers Slain at Traffic Stop, Suspects in Custody
Mississippi Subway Worker Fired for Celebrating Murders of Hattiesburg Officers
More Patrol

Streamlight to Showcase Newest Lighting Products at National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo 2026
Streamlight will showcase its latest lights, including the Portable Scene Light III and the LiteBox 1Million, at the 2026 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Read More →
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games Set for Perth, Australia
The 2027 World Police & Fire Games (WPFG) will take place in Perth, Western Australia, from Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Read More →
5.11 Partners with National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to Support #ForThe343
5.11 has joined the nationwide movement honoring the 343 New York City Fire Department firefighters lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
Read More →
Team Wendy Announces Title Sponsorship of the Jorge Pastore Foundation
Team Wendy’s 3-year partnership with the Jorge Pastore Foundation expands access to programs that strengthen those who serve.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Hosting 9/11 25th-Year Commemoration Ceremony
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum is hosting a 9/11 25th Year Commemoration Ceremony on Sept. 11 at 4 p.m.
Read More →
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Announces June 2026 Officers of the Month
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) named 15 officers of the Chico Police Department (California) as the Officers of the Month for June 2026 for their roles in responding to an active-shooter incident at a public library.
Read More →
Team Wendy App Creates New Digital Hub for Helmet Owners
The Team Wendy Community App provides one location for warranty registration, size-fit tools, product updates, and community connection. For helmet owners, the new app creates a simpler path to the information and tools that matter most.
Read More →
PositionPTT & Pryme Combine Communication Technologies to Deliver Distracted Driving Compliance
Pryme Radio Accessories and hardware/software maker PositionPTT join forces to advance hands-free communications and ensure Department of Transportation compliance using an integrated system of push-to-talk platforms, devices, and audio equipment.
Read More →
Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants & Resources
The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs.
Read More →
What Makes a Laptop Rugged or Fully Rugged?
What separates a rugged laptop from a fully rugged one? In this video, two Panasonic Connect experts explain the military testing, IP ratings, durability standards, and real-world features that help law enforcement officers rely on their computers in any environment.
Read More →