Deputy Sheriff Claude C. Hamilton, Nicholas County Sheriff's Department, West Virginia

Deputy Sheriff Claude C. Hamilton

Nicholas County Sheriff's Department, West Virginia

End of Watch Wednesday, October 21, 1931

Claude C. Hamilton

Deputy Claude Hamilton was shot and killed as he and several officers from the West Virginia State Police attempted to arrest a man wanted for selling illegal liquor.

The officers encountered the man near Curtain and were immediately fired upon. As Deputy Hamilton struggled with the man he was shot in the chest and killed almost instantly.

The 18-year-old suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to life. On December 22, 1939, Governor Homer A. Holt reduced his sentence to 18 years.

Deputy Hamilton was survived by his wife, eight children, and five sisters.

Bio

Age 40
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Not available

Most Recent Reflection

View all 5 Reflections

Deputy Sheriff Hamilton,
On today, the 85th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Nicholas County.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

October 21, 2016