Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer James Sorrow was shot and killed while attempting to serve a felony warrant on a 20-year-old subject. The suspect fled on foot and was pursued by Officer Sorrow. During the chase, the suspect ambushed him from behind a shed at the corner of Gower and Endel Streets. The suspect shot Officer Sorrow numerous times, striking him twice in the face, buttocks, and four times in the back of the head. Officer Sorrow had not removed his gun from his holster. The suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison on October 30, 1997. Officer Sorrow had served with the Greenville Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and five-month-old son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-FFCBEE7F- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Police Officer Sorrow gave the Greenville Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Greenville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Sorrow.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer James Russell Sorrow is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In SC, 272 of 441 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.7% of this state's fallen. That is 61.7 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Greenville Police Department, 11 of 12 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 91.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Russell Sorrow's cause is highlighted.
How James Russell Sorrow Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Russell Sorrow is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Russell Sorrow was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
11 officers from Greenville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
