Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Masters was accidentally shot and killed by the 12-year-old daughter of one his friends. He was conducting a larceny investigation when he stopped by a friend's home. The friend was showing him a homemade pistol. Deputy Masters unloaded the gun but neglected to unload the round in the chamber. The friend's daughter came into the room, picked up the gun, and pulled the trigger and making a joke. The round in the chamber fired, striking Deputy Masters in the stomach. The shooting was ruled accidental and the girl was not charged.
Survivors
Deputy Masters was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-2B0E9BC9- 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 Masters served with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Pickens community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Masters.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Russell Snow Masters 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 Pickens County Sheriff's Office, 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Russell Snow Masters's cause is highlighted.
How Russell Snow Masters Compares
Offender Outcome
Not available
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Russell Snow Masters is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Russell Snow Masters was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Pickens County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
