Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Ira Skeen was shot and killed in Slant while posting a notice at a grocery store for a special state election to change the state constitution. He had walked out of the store when he was shot three times by a man who held a grudge against him for having previously been arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and drunk in public. The subject, 64, fled the scene and hid until the new sheriff took office. At the time, the search for the suspect had been the largest manhunt in the state. He surrendered to authorities at his home 10 days later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Survivors
Deputy Skeen was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-B826B3B3- 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.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Skeen served with the Scott County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Gate City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Skeen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Ira Milburn Skeen 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 Scott County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Ira Milburn Skeen's cause is highlighted.
How Ira Milburn Skeen Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Ira Milburn Skeen is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Ira Milburn Skeen was killed by handgun; .38 caliber.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Scott County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
