Roll of Honor
Marion Eugene Wright II
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Gene Wright and Patrolman William Bell of the Summerville Police Department were struck and killed on US 17A at approximately 6:00 p.m. by a driver who was under the influence of prescription seizure medication. The man's license had been previously revoked due to his condition and medication.
Deputy Wright, who had just finished his shift and was en route home, stopped to assist a disabled motorist. Patrolman Bell stopped to assist Deputy Wright. As the two officers changed the flat tire on the car, the oncoming driver left the roadway, hitting both patrol cars, the disabled vehicle, and both officers, killing them both instantly.
A witness to the incident apprehended the 28-year-old suspect and held him until other officers arrived. The suspect was charged with felony driving under the influence. His driving record revealed he was at fault in two recent accidents. He was convicted of two counts of reckless homicide and sentenced to two 10-year terms to run consecutively but was eligible for parole after only 4 years. He had been denied parole each year until he was released in March of 2014.
The section of highway where the incident took place was renamed William Boland Bell and Marion Eugene Wright Highway.
Deputy Wright had served with the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department for 2 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his daughter and father, also a Berkeley County deputy sheriff.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-41CEED0F- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Wright gave the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Moncks Corner community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Wright.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Marion Eugene Wright II 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 Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 2 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. Marion Eugene Wright II's cause is highlighted.
How Marion Eugene Wright II Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Marion Eugene Wright II is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Marion Eugene Wright II was killed by automobile; narcotics involved.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Berkeley County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
