Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Frankie Betterton was shot and killed while making a traffic stop on US Highway 58 near Danville, Virginia, at approximately 2:30 p.m.
Deputy Betterton had two vehicles pulled over at this traffic stop. One vehicle was being driven by a male, and the other vehicle was driven by his girlfriend. After letting the girlfriend go, Deputy Betterton had the male sit in his patrol car.
The male, who was seated in the passenger seat, produced a .380 caliber handgun and shot Deputy Betterton once in the head. The male fled the scene but was apprehended the following morning at approximately 5:30 a.m. The male was charged and convicted of capital murder, and the jury recommended the death penalty, but the judge instead sentenced the male to life in prison.
Deputy Betterton had been employed with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office for three years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-68FA27CF- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Frankie. 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.
Deputy Sheriff Betterton gave the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chatham community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Betterton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Frankie Lynn Betterton is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Pittsylvania Cnty Sheriff's Office, 5 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Frankie Lynn Betterton's cause is highlighted.
How Frankie Lynn Betterton Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Frankie Lynn Betterton is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Frankie Lynn Betterton was killed by handgun; .380 caliber.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Pittsylvania Cnty Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
