Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Ed Tillotson was shot and killed when he and another deputy attempted to question a suspect about a theft. The man suddenly drew a pistol and opened fire on both deputies, killing Deputy Tillotson and wounding the second deputy. The other deputy was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect. The 38-year-old suspect was captured the next day when he was found hiding in a barn five miles from where he shot Deputy Tillotson. On November 23, 1957, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. As soon as he heard his sentence, he made a break for freedom but was captured in the courthouse. Deputy Tillotson had served with the Anderson County Sheriff's Office and served in law enforcement for at least 12 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters. The same day he was killed, his wife became very sick, dying four months later of leukemia.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-33722E7C- 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 Tillotson gave the Anderson County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Anderson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Tillotson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff James Edward Tillotson 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 Anderson County Sheriff's Office, 5 of 9 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 55.6% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Edward Tillotson's cause is highlighted.
How James Edward Tillotson Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Edward Tillotson is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Edward Tillotson was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
8 officers from Anderson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
