Corporal Dyke "A. J." Coursen

Corporal Dyke "A. J." Coursen

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina

End of Watch Tuesday, January 8, 2002

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Dyke "A. J." Coursen

Corporal A.J. Coursen and Lance Corporal Dana Tate were shot and killed after responding to a domestic disturbance call on Riley Road, in Burton, at approximately 4:00 pm.

A female had called the sheriff's office and complained about her and her young child being held against their will by her boyfriend. While the deputies were investigating, they were shot by the boyfriend, who was armed with a semi-automatic rifle and was hiding inside a bedroom closet.

Deputy Coursen was killed, but Deputy Tate was able to shoot and wound the suspect before he died.

The suspect was later taken into custody after a search. The man was sentenced to death in 2003.

Corporal Coursen had served with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Department for one year and had previously served with the LaGrange Police Department (Ohio). He is survived by his wife, son, and stepdaughter.

Bio

  • Age 35
  • Tour 12 years
  • Badge Alpha 35

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Rifle; SKS
  • Offender Sentenced to death

probation violation, convicted felon, domestic

Most Recent Reflection

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May God and St. Michael watch over you and Corporal Tate in Heaven. You are not forgotten.

Patrolman Kenneth Collins
South Amherst Police Department

January 8, 2024

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