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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James McCants was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Dave Lyle Boulevard, near I-77, in Rock Hill. Unbeknownst to Deputy McCants, the two occupants had just stolen the car two hours earlier while carjacking two citizens in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both men fled and abandoned the car nearby. They were both arrested within hours. Both subjects were convicted of Deputy McCants' murder. One was sentenced to life in prison, and the other was sentenced to death. Deputy McCants was a United States Army veteran who had served with the York County Sheriff's Office for two months and had previously served with the Rock Hill Police Department for approximately 16 months.
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.
Deputy Sheriff McCants gave the York County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the York community, and 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 Brent McCants served in the U.S. Army (1987â1987) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Felonious
York County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 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 1992, 5 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1992, 93 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 59th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1992, 97 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 23. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
James was 23. 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 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 23. 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 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9.9% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Fridays: 15.4%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at York County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 17.3% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
York County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Military Service
James Brent McCants served in the U.S. Army (1987–1987) before joining law enforcement.
Visit James Brent McCants’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 36-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from York County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
