Ben Hill County Sheriff's Office, Georgia
End of Watch Thursday, August 30, 1951
James Virgil Griner
Sheriff Griner and Jailer John Smith were shot and killed after they stopped a vehicle to search for whiskey. The suspect opened fire on both men, killing Jailer Smith and mortally wounding Sheriff Griner. The sheriff was transported to an Atlanta hospital where he succumbed to his wounds four days later.
After hiding in a south Georgia swamp for three weeks, the suspect surrendered to a Georgia state trooper. On April 23, 1952, he was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison April 3, 1959.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour Not available
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Incident Date Sunday, August 26, 1951
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Died in prison
Most Recent Reflection
View all 5 ReflectionsUncle Virgil was one the most generous and kind men ever. His wife, Aunt Ruth, was not only generous but a woman of incredible wisdom and strength. Very proud of them both. And, I cherish memories of days past.
Campbell Patterson
nephew
January 8, 2017
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