Deputy Sheriff Dennis Carl Compton

Dennis Carl Compton

Deputy Sheriff Dennis Compton was shot and killed while responding to a residential alarm call on Sunflower Drive, in Smoaks, at approximately 3:00 am.

The homeowner's son had also been notified of the alarm by the alarm company. When he arrived at the home he found Deputy Compton wounded and used his radio to alert dispatchers.

In September 2008 two suspects, 18 and 19 years old, were arrested and charged with Deputy Compton's murder. In December 2011 both suspects were sentenced to life prison.

Deputy Compton had served with the Colleton County Sheriff's Office for sixteen months, starting as a detention center officer. He is survived by his wife and four children.