Jackson Renames Street Corner to Honor Fallen Hinds County Deputy

The city honors Deputy Martin Shields Jr. one year after he was killed responding to a domestic disturbance call.

Feb. 24, 2026 at 12:23am

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The City of Jackson has renamed a street corner in honor of Hinds County deputy Martin Shields Jr., who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Terry, Mississippi last year. The renaming ceremony brought together Shields' family, community members, and city officials to pay tribute to the deputy's bravery and service. The Deputy Martin L. Shields Jr. Memorial Foundation is also awarding scholarships to seniors at Shields' alma mater, Lanier High School, and hosting a 'Battle of the Badges' basketball event to raise funds.

Why it matters

Honoring Deputy Shields' memory is an important way for the Jackson community to come together and recognize the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who protect the public. The street renaming and memorial foundation aim to preserve Shields' legacy and inspire others to follow in his footsteps of public service.

The details

The Jackson City Council approved the street renaming in October after the Deputy Martin L. Shields Jr. Memorial Foundation presented at a council meeting. The ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of Shields' death brought together his family, community members, and city officials. Mayor John Horhn said honoring Shields was an easy decision, stating 'Let us make this an intersection of peace, an intersection of love, an intersection of safety for everyone. It's the least we can do in memory of Deputy Martin Shields.'

  • Deputy Shields was shot and killed on February 23, 2025 while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Terry, Mississippi.
  • The street renaming ceremony took place on February 24, 2026, one year after Shields' death.

The players

John Horhn

The mayor of Jackson, Mississippi who approved the street renaming in honor of Deputy Shields.

Martin L. Shields Sr.

The father of Deputy Shields and the board chair of the Deputy Martin L. Shields Jr. Memorial Foundation.

Catrina Davis

The aunt of Deputy Shields who spoke about the family's continued adjustment to life without him.

Deputy Martin Shields Jr.

The Hinds County sheriff's deputy and Jackson police officer who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call in Terry, Mississippi.

Deputy Martin L. Shields Jr. Memorial Foundation

A foundation established to honor the legacy of Deputy Shields, including through scholarships and community events.

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What they’re saying

“Let us make this an intersection of peace, an intersection of love, an intersection of safety for everyone. It's the least we can do in memory of Deputy Martin Shields.”

— John Horhn, Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi

“May it be a testimony of bravery. A testimony of service. A testimony that one life, lived with purpose, can leave a permanent mark on a city.”

— Martin L. Shields Sr., Father of Deputy Shields and board chair of the Deputy Martin L. Shields Jr. Memorial Foundation

“My nephew, he saved somebody's life knowing that he would never come back home to his daughter. He would never come home to his mother and his father.”

— Catrina Davis, Aunt of Deputy Shields

What’s next

The Deputy Martin L. Shields Jr. Memorial Foundation says it will be awarding scholarships to seniors at Lanier High School, Deputy Shields' alma mater, with recipients expected to be announced by the end of April. The foundation is also planning a second 'Battle of the Badges' basketball event for June to raise additional funds.

The takeaway

The renaming of this street corner in Jackson is a powerful tribute to the legacy of Deputy Martin Shields Jr., honoring his bravery, service, and the lasting impact he had on his community. By establishing scholarships and community events in his name, the Deputy Martin L. Shields Jr. Memorial Foundation ensures that his memory will continue to inspire others to follow in his footsteps of public service.