Policeman George Fountain Carter

Policeman George Fountain Carter

Martinsville Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Saturday, June 14, 1919

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George Fountain Carter

Policeman Carter was shot and killed with his own gun while attempting to observe illegal gambling. He was known as an officer who targeted gambling. While hiding himself in some woods to observe a crap game, two brothers located him and shot him in the heart with his own weapon.

Both brothers were arrested and charged with murder. One was convicted of murder and sentenced to 9 years two months later. Before preparations could be made to transport him to the penitentiary he escaped from the Martinsville Jail. He was the only prisoner in the jail that night and the jailer had stepped away for a few minutes. When he returned he found his cell door wide open and the prisoner gone. No one could understand how he got out because the cell keys were kept far away from the cells. Rumor soon spread throughout Martinsville that he did not escape but was forcibly taken from the jail and killed for murdering Policeman Carter. The mystery was solved on December 3, 1930, when he was captured in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was returned to the Martinsville Jail and days later was transferred to the Virginia Penitentiary to serve his 9 year sentence.

Bio

  • Age 44
  • Tour Not available
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Sentenced to 9 years

gambling, stakeout

Most Recent Reflection

View all 7 Reflections

Officer Carter,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Martinsville. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

June 14, 2019

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