"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Prince George's County (MD) Sheriff's Deputies Elizabeth Magruder and James Arnaud

Deputies Liz Magruder and Jimmy Arnaud were called to help a troubled young man in mental health crisis. Always a dangerous call, they approached with caution and compassion before gunshots rang out.

Deputy First Class Elizabeth Magruder and Sgt. James Arnaud

McLean, VA (February 17, 2026) - On August 29, 2002, Deputies Elizabeth “Liz” Magruder, 30, and James “Jimmy” Arnaud, 53, were attempting to serve an emergency psychiatric petition on a 23-year-old man whose family feared he was a danger to himself and others. But when they entered the home, the man opened fire with a handgun. Multiple shots were fired and both deputies were killed. The murders of these two fallen heroes were the first and only line of duty deaths since the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office was formed in 1696. The killer was arrested two days later. He was convicted of the murders, but served less than 25 years before he was released from prison. Jimmy Arnaud left behind his wife Teresa, son Michael and daughter Jamey. Liz Magruder was survived by her husband Derwinn and son Devinn. And though their time was cut tragically short, their legacy continues—in the deputies they inspired, the families they left behind, and the community the protected. Listen to the podcast to learn the rest of the story: https://behindbadge.substack.com/p/heroes-live-forever-the-story-of-e87