Sheriff Byron Leslie Pierce

Byron Leslie Pierce

Sheriff Byron Pierce was shot and killed after responding to the farm of a man who was threatening his relatives with a rifle.

Deputies had surrounded the house and Sheriff Pierce was shot when he went to the front door to confront the man. The 67 year-old suspect, a former mental patient, was apprehended at the scene. The body of his 72 year-old brother was found shot to death 75 yards away.

The suspect was adjudged insane and committed in a mental institution.

Sheriff Pierce had served with the Henry County Sheriff's Department for eight years. He was survived by his wife, son and daughter.