Deputy Sheriff James Walton Smith

Deputy Sheriff James Walton Smith | Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Alabama
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Alabama
Deputy Sheriff James Walton Smith

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Alabama

End of Watch Tuesday, July 24, 1894

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James Walton Smith

Deputy Smith and Deputy Charles Cole were shot and killed while attempting to serve warrants on a father and son involved in a previous murder. When the two deputies approached the family's home the suspects opened fire, killing both deputies. The previous murder was on July 15 at the strike where Jefferson County Deputy Sheriff B. W. Pearce was killed.

Both suspects fled into nearby hills where the father was located by a posse. He was later tried for murder and acquitted. The son gave himself up to the Birmingham Police on May 7, 1897. In 1898 the charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

Bio

  • Age Not available
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Charges dismissed
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Deputy Smith, you are remembered and spoken of often. Your grandson and your great great grandson carry your name in remembrance of you. Thank you for your service to your fellow citizens of Jefferson County. Your great grandson, Mark Smith

Mark Smith
Great grandson

September 7, 2023

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