Marshall County K-9 Officer killed

Floki, a 7-year-old K-9 Dutch Shepherd, was found shot to death while patrolling a prison perimeter.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a K-9 officer's badge or collar tag, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The tragic killing of a K-9 officer on duty exposes the dangers these service animals face in maintaining prison security.Memphis Today

A K-9 officer working for the Marshall County Correctional Facility (MCCF) in Tennessee was killed in the line of duty. Floki, a 7-year-old K-9 Dutch Shepherd employed by MCCF, was found shot to death on Thursday, April 3, after being shot the previous night while patrolling the prison perimeter to prevent contraband from entering.

Why it matters

The killing of a service animal is a serious crime in Mississippi, punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and 5 years in prison. This incident raises concerns about prison security and the safety of K-9 officers who play a critical role in preventing contraband from entering correctional facilities.

The details

Investigators believe Floki was shot around 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, as he was patrolling a narrow piece of land between two prison fences at MCCF. A K-9 commander found Floki's body the next morning when he went to bring the dog food and water.

  • Floki was shot around 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2.
  • Floki's body was found on Thursday, April 3.

The players

Floki

A 7-year-old K-9 Dutch Shepherd employed by the Marshall County Correctional Facility (MCCF) to patrol the prison perimeter and prevent contraband from entering.

Burl Cain

The Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDC) Commissioner, who expressed outrage over the killing of the service animal.

Marshall County Correctional Facility (MCCF)

The correctional facility where Floki was employed as a K-9 officer.

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What they’re saying

“It's a shame to kill a defenseless dog who was doing his job to help us keep contraband out of the prison. It's just a shame to kill our dog.”

— Burl Cain, Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner

What’s next

Investigators are searching for the person or persons responsible for Floki's killing, which is a felony offense in Mississippi punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and 5 years in prison.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the important role K-9 officers play in maintaining security at correctional facilities and the need to protect these service animals from harm. The killing of Floki is a serious crime that will be thoroughly investigated by authorities.