Anderson Police Department, South Carolina
End of Watch Tuesday, April 15, 1947
Add to My HeroesWillis Edwin Sanders, Sr.
Patrolman Willis Sanders was shot and killed while investigating a burglary at the Anderson Creamery at 412 North Main Street.
He and another patrolman were on patrol at 12:45 am when they observed a door to a business that was open. They called for backup and then, when the backup officers arrived, entered the business. As Patrolman Sanders opened an interior door the suspect opened fire, mortally wounding him. The suspect, who was inside the store stealing sugar, was arrested a short time later after other officers fired tear gas into the building.
Patrolman Sanders was transported to Anderson Hospital where he died from his wounds four hours later.
The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and executed in the electric chair on July 11th, 1947.
Patrolman Sanders had served with the Anderson Police Department for 10 years. He was survived by his wife, son, father, two brothers, and sister.
Bio
- Age 41
- Tour 10 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Executed in 1947
Most Recent Reflection
View all 6 ReflectionsNever forgotten , perp got what was coming to him, RIP
Judge /retired SC Trooper Danny Lynn
Aiken County, SC
April 15, 2017
Recent LODD Deaths

Lieutenant John Reynolds
Garden Grove Police Department, CA
EOW: January 17, 2021

Corrections Officer Joseph A. Martini
Ulster County Sheriff's Office, NY
EOW: January 17, 2021

Police Officer Arturo Villegas
Alamo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 10, 2021

Deputy Sheriff Jon Melvin
Grant County Sheriff's Office, WA
EOW: December 11, 2020

Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson
Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Brandon Stalker
Toledo Police Department, OH
EOW: January 18, 2021

Police Officer Jay Hughes
Kalispel Tribal Police Department, TR
EOW: January 6, 2021

Corporal Christine Peters
Greenbelt Police Department, MD
EOW: January 14, 2021

Conservation Officer Steven Reighard
Iowa Department of Natural Resources, IA
EOW: January 8, 2021