Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff James McCants was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Dave Lyle Boulevard, near I-77, in Rock Hill. Unbeknownst to Deputy McCants, the two occupants had just stolen the car two hours earlier while carjacking two citizens in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both men fled and abandoned the car nearby. They were both arrested within hours. Both subjects were convicted of Deputy McCants' murder. One was sentenced to life in prison, and the other was sentenced to death. Deputy McCants was a United States Army veteran who had served with the York County Sheriff's Office for two months and had previously served with the Rock Hill Police Department for approximately 16 months.
In Our Keeping
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BO-US-SC-3FE7DFAF- Stewardship
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- 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.
Deputy Sheriff McCants gave the York County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the York 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
James Brent McCants served in the Air Force (1988â1990) before joining law enforcement.
Deputy Sheriff James Brent McCants 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 York 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 Brent McCants's cause is highlighted.
How James Brent McCants Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to death
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Brent McCants is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Brent McCants was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from York County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
