Deputy Sheriff Hoke Baird Smith

Deputy Sheriff Hoke Baird Smith | Columbus County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
Columbus County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina
Deputy Sheriff Hoke Baird Smith

Columbus County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

End of Watch Tuesday, May 13, 1930

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Hoke Baird Smith

Deputy Sheriff Hoke Smith succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained five months earlier when four men came to his house near Clarkton and shot him.

The murder was in retaliation for Deputy Smith's involvement in a raid on an illegal whiskey still in Welches Creek township.

The four suspects all pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and were sentenced to 20 to 25 years in prison. One was paroled on January 10th, 1936. Another escaped from prison in October of 1930 and was captured in April of 1933 in Oklahoma. He escaped again on April 12th, 1939, but was quickly recaptured. He was paroled on February 13th, 1943.

Deputy Smith was survived by his wife, three sons, and five daughters.

Bio

  • Age 36
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Tuesday, December 31, 1929
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to 25 years

alcohol violation, at home, retaliation

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Deputy Sheriff Smith,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Columbus County. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

May 13, 2020

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