Deputy Sheriff Edward N. Griffitts

Edward 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.