South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina
End of Watch: Thursday, October 3, 1974
Age: 47
Tour of Duty: 23 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 3, 1974
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 16 gauge
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer McNeill was shot and killed after he and another officer issued citations to three hunters for hunting deer in a game sanctuary. After issuing the citations the suspects began to argue with the officers and of them opened fire, killing Officer McNeill. Another shot and critically wounded the other officer. The three men fled but were apprehended at a later time.
The 65-year-old suspect who shot Officer McNeill was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. In 1978 he was resentenced to life. On October 2, 1985, he was denied a parole. The suspect who shot the other officer was convicted of assault with intent to kill, and sentenced to 20 years. The officer had a lengthy stay in the hospital and lost an eye as a result of the shooting.
Officer McNeill had served with the Department of Natural Resources for 23 years. He was survived by his wife and three daughters. He was a navy veteran of World War II.