Greenville County Sheriff's Office South Carolina End of Watch: Saturday, June 11, 1927 Cause: Gunfire
Biographical Info Age: 36 Tour of Duty: Not available Badge Number: Not available 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 December 12, 1930. Both were pardoned by Governor Olin D. Johnston January 2, 1939. |