Loudon County Sheriff's Department, Tennessee
End of Watch Saturday, September 26, 1903
Add to My HeroesEdward N. Griffitts
Deputy Sheriff Griffitts was shot and killed when he and another deputy went to arrest a man on a warrant for lewdness.
The two deputies went to a barn in Unitia, Tennessee, to arrest the suspect. When they arrived, they found the suspect and a woman on the second level of the barn. When Deputy Griffitts told the suspect he was under arrest, the suspect drew a large caliber handgun and opened fire. He struck Deputy Griffitts in the chest, killing him. A second shot struck the other deputy in the hip, seriously wounding him.
The 50-year-old suspect fled but was captured by a posse led by the Sheriff of Loudon County. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. He was pardoned on February 22, 1910, by Governor Malcolm R. Patterson.
Deputy Griffitts was survived by his father, brother, and fiancée.
Bio
- Age 25
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; Pistol
- Offender Pardoned in 1910
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View all 3 ReflectionsNo passage of time will ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
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