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Incident
Deputy Sheriff William Howell was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance on Boyer Road at approximately 1:30 am.
Deputy Howell was approaching the home to assist the female victim remove belongings when the male subject opened fire with a shotgun, striking him in the neck.
The suspect, who was out of jail on bond on a charge of assault and battery with intent to kill, was then run over and killed by his wife as she attempted to leave the home.
Deputy Howell had served with the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office for three years and had served in law enforcement for a total of 16 years, having served as a jailer at the Berkeley County Detention Center from 1993 to 2000, with the Moncks Corner Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office and as an officer with the Jamestown Police before taking a position with the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office.
Deputy Howell is survived by his wife and four sons.
Survivors
Deputy Howell is survived by his wife and four sons.
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 never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Howell gave the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Orangeburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Howell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
William 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 2008, 2 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 2008, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2008, 65 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 122nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 46. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
William was 46. 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. William had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 46. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 16 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 9.9% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Saturdays: 17.3%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 75% of all 4 deaths at Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 11.4% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
