Deputy Sheriff James Billups Trevathan

James Billups Trevathan

Deputy Sheriff James Trevathan was shot and killed while attempting to stop a vehicle that had just been involved in two hit-and-runs. The vehicle fled when Deputy Trevathan attempted to pull it over.

The vehicle finally stopped after a short pursuit. As the driver exited the vehicle he opened fire on Deputy Trevathan with a .38 caliber revolver, striking him twice. Despite being mortally wounded, Deputy Trevathan returned fire, striking the suspect once in the spine, paralyzing him.

The suspect and his girlfriend were charged with several crimes stemming from the incident, including Deputy Trevathan's murder.

The suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 28 years in prison. He was released March 1, 1976, and died three months later.

Deputy Trevathan was a WWII veteran and had served with the Surry County Sheriff's Department for 6 months. He was survived by his wife, two sons, daughter, parents, four brothers, and two sisters.