Roll of Honor
Charles Levon McNeill
Incident
Conservation Officer Charles McNeill was shot and killed after he and another officer issued citations to three hunters for hunting deer in a game sanctuary. After issuing the citations, the suspects began to argue with the officers and then opened fire, killing Officer McNeill. Another shot and critically wounded the other officer. The three men fled but were apprehended at a later time. The other officer had a lengthy stay in the hospital and lost an eye as a result of the shooting. The 65-year-old suspect who shot Officer McNeill was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. In 1978, he was resentenced to life. On October 2, 1985, he was denied a parole. The suspect who shot the other officer was convicted of assault with intent to kill and sentenced to 20 years. Officer McNeill was a United States Navy WWII veteran and had served with the Department of Natural Resources for 23 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-185D5E79- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Conservation Officer McNeill gave the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 23 years.
Thank you for your service to the Columbia community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Charles Levon McNeill served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Conservation Officer Charles Levon McNeill 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 SC, 271 of 438 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.9% of this state's fallen. That is 7.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, 3 of 10 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 30% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Levon McNeill's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Levon McNeill Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Levon McNeill is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Levon McNeill was killed by shotgun; 16 gauge.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from South Carolina Department of Natural Resources are honored on badge.nw.
