Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office, Georgia
End of Watch Sunday, August 26, 1951
Add to My HeroesJohn Harbard Smith
Jailer Smith and Sheriff James Griner were shot and killed after they stopped a vehicle to search for whiskey. The suspect opened fire on both men, killing Jailer Smith and mortally wounding Sheriff Griner. The sheriff was transported to an Atlanta hospital where he succumbed to his wounds four days later.
After hiding in a south Georgia swamp for three weeks, the suspect surrendered to a Georgia state trooper. On April 23, 1952, he was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison April 3, 1959.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Died in prison
Related LODD Deaths
Sheriff James Virgil Griner
Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office, GA
EOW: August 30, 1951
Most Recent Reflection
View all 4 ReflectionsTo fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 62nd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
April 14, 2013
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