Greenville County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina
End of Watch Wednesday, April 2, 2003
Add to My HeroesAntonio Joselito "Joe" Sapinoso
Investigator Sapinoso was shot and killed after being taken hostage when he arrived home from his shift.
He was in uniform and exiting his patrol car when the suspect, who had been involved in a domestic disturbance with Investigator Sapinoso's sister, approached him at gunpoint and disarmed him. Investigator Sapinoso had intervened in the previous incident as a deputy and as her brother.
The suspect handcuffed Investigator Sapinoso with the deputy's own handcuffs. He took him inside his home where he forced the deputy to call his father into the living room. The suspect held both men at gunpoint for several hours during a standoff with SWAT officers. At 4:20 am, the suspect told negotiators he was coming out of the house but then, without warning, shot and killed Investigator Sapinoso and his father. The suspect then surrendered.
The man was convicted of Investigator Sapinoso's murder and was sentenced to death.
Investigator Sapinoso had served with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office for 6 years, and was assigned to the White Collar Crime Unit.
He is survived by his mother and sister.
Bio
- Age 34
- Tour 6 years
- Badge 663
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Sentenced to death
Most Recent Reflection
View all 109 ReflectionsJoe, you were my family. I miss you so much there is so much I’ve wanted to share with you over the years. We had great times on the road and with family trips. Wishing you were here to share more.
Sergeant Melissia Dirton
Greenville Co. Sheriff’s Office/Family
April 3, 2025
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