Sheriff Samuel D. Willis

Sheriff Samuel D. Willis | Greenville County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
Greenville County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
Sheriff Samuel D. Willis

Greenville County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, June 11, 1927

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Samuel D. Willis

Sheriff Willis was shot and killed while standing in his yard by an assassin hired by the former sheriff of Greenville County.

The suspect was arrested three years later. He confessed that he shot Sheriff Willis after the former sheriff paid him $500 to kill him.

The assassin was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. After many mistrials, a Greenville County Deputy Sheriff and the former sheriff were convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 years in prison on December 12, 1930. Both were pardoned by Governor Olin D. Johnston on January 2, 1939.

Sheriff Willis was a WWI U.S. Army veteran in addition to his service as a law enforcement officer.

Bio

  • Age 36
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to 10 years

assassinated

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Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 15, 2015

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