Greensville County Sheriff's Office, Virginia
End of Watch Thursday, March 22, 1900
Add to My HeroesJoseph Welton
Deputy Sheriff Joseph Welton and Justice of the Peace John Saunders were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man involved in a string of burglaries in the Emporia area.
The two men and a citizen had tracked the group of suspects to a cabin near Skippers, Virginia.
As Justice Saunders and Deputy Welton entered the cabin one of the suspects immediately opened fire, killing Deputy Welton. Justice Saunders returned fire and turned to retreat but was shot in the back of the head and killed. The citizen who had accompanied them retreated and went to get help.
The shooter and another suspect were captured a short time later and taken to the county jail. The Virginia State Militia was sent to protect the prisoners for fear of lynching but was withdrawn by order of the governor. The county sheriff then turned the two prisoners over to the citizens and they were both lynched.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .38 caliber
- Offender Lynched by mob
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsOn this 121st anniversary of your death I’d like to say thank you for your service and please know that no passage of time can ever erase your sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
March 22, 2021
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