Prev
Incident
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.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpbpsp8xvgfkks5xk8fb- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew George. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Policeman Carter served with the Martinsville Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Martinsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Carter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
George is the only officer of Martinsville Police Department remembered here.
George is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
George is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
George 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 1919, 5 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
George was 44. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
George was 44. 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.
George was 44. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Martinsville Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 7.4% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Martinsville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.