Roll of Honor
Incident
Sheriff Turner was shot and killed as he and several deputies attempted to arrest four men for operating a still near Sanford. The suspects opened fire on the deputies with shotguns. Sheriff Turner suffered a mortal wound to the face. Two of the other deputies were also wounded.
All four suspects were apprehended the next day. On April 17, 1927, two of the suspects were convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison. One was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 29 years. The fourth and youngest suspect, age 21, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison.
Sheriff Turner had served as sheriff for only 3 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-80F94C6E- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. 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.
Sheriff Turner served with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sanford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Turner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sheriff James Lawrence Turner 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 NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 58 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Lee 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. James Lawrence Turner's cause is highlighted.
How James Lawrence Turner Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Lawrence Turner is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Lawrence Turner was killed by shotgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
