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James Kenneth DeLoach
Incident
Location: Virginia Weapon: Handgun; .32 caliber Offender: Sentenced to 20 years
Correctional Officer James DeLoach was shot and killed when he was identified as a correctional officer after stopping to pick up a hitchhiker on the shoulder of an interstate at about 1:00 am.
He had left his shift early at the Lorton Reformatory, in Lorton, Virginia, when he began to feel ill. He was driving home on I-395 when he observed a hitchhiker near the exit for Edsall Road in Fairfax County. He was still wearing his uniform when he stopped to assist the man off the highway. The subject, who was a recent parolee, shot Officer DeLoach twice in the chest with a .32 caliber handgun and then stole his car.
Officer DeLoach was able to wave down a passing motorist but collapsed before giving a statement. He was taken to Fairfax Hospital where he died a short time later.
The man who shot him abandoned his car on Lorton Road near the prison. He was arrested in March 1968 and charged with murder. He was convicted of second-degree murder in March 1969 and sentenced to 20 years in prison with eight years suspended.
Officer DeLoach was a U.S. Army veteran of both WWII and the Korean War as well as a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal. He had served at the Lorton Reformatory for three months and had previously served as a guard for the Smithsonian Institution. He was survived by his wife, mother, and two brothers. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, mother, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Correctional Officer DeLoach served with the District of Columbia Department of Corrections.
Thank you for your service to the people of the District of Columbia. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
James Kenneth DeLoach served in the U.S. Army (1945â1966) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
District of Columbia Department of Corrections has lost 7 officers; 7 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 754 officers killed feloniously in DC, 53.1% of the 1,419 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1967, 1 officer at District of Columbia Department of Corrections was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1967, 5 officers in DC were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 159 years on record. The heaviest was 1922, with 20.
In 1967, 105 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 48th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1967, 107 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 56th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 42. Of the 7 killed feloniously at District of Columbia Department of Corrections whose age is recorded, half were between 33.5 and 44; the middle age was 40. James had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 42. Of the 580 killed feloniously in DC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 44; the middle age was 36. James had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 42. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 42. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 28.6% of these deaths at District of Columbia Department of Corrections, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.3%.
December holds 10.3% of these deaths in DC; July holds the most, 11.7%. Saturdays: 13%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 7 deaths at District of Columbia Department of Corrections. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53.1% of all 1,419 deaths in DC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .32 caliber, in 0.4% of these deaths.
His people
District of Columbia Department of Corrections has 7 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Military Service
James Kenneth DeLoach served in the U.S. Army (1945–1966) before joining law enforcement.
Visit James Kenneth DeLoach’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from District of Columbia Department of Corrections are honored on badge.nw.
