Chief of Police James W. Ethridge, Branchville Police Department, South Carolina

Chief of Police James W. Ethridge

Branchville Police Department, South Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, June 30, 1951

James W. Ethridge

Chief James Ethridge was shot to death as he entered a cafe near the Branchville Depot where he went to quell a disturbance.

A 22 year-old man went into a rage and opened fire with a shotgun when the cafe juke box failed to play the record he had selected. Chief Ethridge and a bystander were killed instantly. Five other persons were wounded, including a five-year-old boy. Shortly after the shooting the suspect surrendered to a state trooper.

The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and executed in the electric chair on November 16, 1951.

Bio

Age 39
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Executed in 1951

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

July 4, 2015