Walton County Sheriff's Office, Georgia
End of Watch: Monday, May 28, 1962
Age: 51
Tour of Duty: 22 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 28, 1962
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Paroled in 1971
Sheriff C. J. Doc Sorrells was shot and killed while attempting to serve a warrant on a man for domestic disturbance.
The suspect shot Sheriff Sorrells after claiming he was going to give himself up. Sheriff Sorrells was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries three hours later. Sheriff Deputy Haralson was also shot but recovered from his wounds. Sheriff Sorrells' son was appointed interim Sheriff.
On August 30, 1962, the suspect, 35, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He was paroled on August 31, 1971.
Sheriff Sorrells had served with the Walton County Sheriff's Office for 25 years. He was survived by his wife and two sons.