Shelby County Sheriff's Office, Tennessee
End of Watch Monday, October 29, 1917
Add to My HeroesJames C. Nelson
Deputy Sheriff James Nelson was shot and killed by an escaping prisoner in the county jail. He was on night watch when he heard a disturbance and went to investigate. Several prisoners told him that another prisoner escaped and he went back to his office to retrieve his weapon. The escapee was in the office and shot Deputy Nelson with his own gun.
The 16-year-old suspect was quickly captured. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 to 20 years.
Deputy Nelson had served with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office for 15 years and. He survived by his wife and four children.
Bio
- Age 58
- Tour 15 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to 20 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 7 ReflectionsRest In Peace Brother. We remember and honor you on the 100th anniversary of your E.O.W. You are not forgotten.
Officer Mike Robinson, (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA
October 29, 2017
Recent LODD Deaths
Lieutenant Allen "Noochie" Credeur
Rayne Police Department, LA
EOW: May 5, 2025
Special Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Jr.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, OH
EOW: May 2, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Brandon Ray Sikes
Columbia County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: April 26, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Jesse Perez
Dawson County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 22, 2025
Captain Helio Armando Garcia, III
South Fulton Police Department, GA
EOW: April 16, 2025
Deputy Sheriff Melissa Pollard
Wood County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 9, 2025
Deputy Sheriff William May
Walton County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: April 2, 2025
Police Officer Osmar Rodarte
Marysville Police Department, CA
EOW: March 26, 2025
Sergeant Grant J. Candies
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: March 23, 2025