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Deputy Sheriff James E. Thomas | Lee County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
Lee County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

Deputy Sheriff

James E. Thomas

Lee County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

End of Watch: Saturday, April 11, 1936

Biographical Info

Age: 31
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 11, 1936
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 18 to 28 years

Deputy Thomas was shot and killed as he and several other deputies raided a still in a heavily wooded area of the county. One of three men opened fire on the group, killing Deputy Thomas and wounding a second deputy. The shooter was wounded in the return fire and taken into custody. The other two were able to escape but were apprehended later in the day.

The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 18 to 28 years in prison.

Deputy Thomas was survived by his wife.