Deputy Sheriff Rupert Holliday Peete, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff Rupert Holliday Peete, Jr.

Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee

End of Watch Wednesday, March 8, 2000

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Rupert Holliday Peete, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff Rupert Peete was shot and killed after being ambushed by a man who had just murdered two firefighters at a home at the intersection of Germantown Road and Bay Hollow Cove.

The firefighters had been ambushed by the same man after responding to a house fire. As they approached the burning structure, the man came out of the home's garage and opened fire with a shotgun, killing both firefighters.

Deputy Peete, who was responding to the scene of the shots-fired call, was shot before exiting his patrol car. Other deputies arrived on the scene and shot the subject after he refused to drop his weapon. A fourth victim was found dead in the garage.

The subject was a firefighter who had just returned to duty after being on disability. On April 24th, 2006, the man was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Deputy Peete was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office for three years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Bio

  • Age 45
  • Tour 3 years
  • Badge Not available
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Shotgun
  • Offender Not guilty by reason of insanity

ambush, murder suspect

Most Recent Reflection

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Each year (or so), I select another fallen hero to honor on a memorial bracelet. Typically, I pick them at random for the day I make the order. Each hero is worn on my wrist every day for one year, then the bracelet is fixed to the top of the flagpole in my yard, proudly under the Stars and Stripes.

I didn't know you Deputy Peete, but I will know your name every day and be thankful for your service and that of all our brothers and sisters in blue.

Captain & Chief Deputy, John M. Gris
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

March 8, 2022

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