United States of America
Headstone of Garnett Edward Dabney
U.S. Army · United States United States

Garnett Edward Dabney

Garnett Edward "Dick" Dabney

Died March 31, 1968

Garnett Edward Dabney served in the U.S. Army.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Agent Garnett Dabney was shot and killed while making a raid at a grocery store near Lake Wylie, South Carolina. He and three other agents were watching the store for suspected sales of alcohol on Sundays. After observing two alcohol deliveries the agents raided the store. As the unarmed agents took inventory of the seized alcohol the store owner opened fire with a .32 caliber handgun. Agent Dabney was struck twice in the back and once in the arm. A second agent was critically wounded. The suspect fled but was arrested a short time later. On October 5, 1968, the suspect, 50 was convicted of assault with intent to kill the second agent and sentenced to 8 years. On March 5, 1970, he was found not guilty by reason of insanity of Agent Dabney's murder. His appeal of the 8 year sentence was denied and he was returned to prison. No commitment or any other action was considered in Agent Dabney's case. Agent Dabney was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII. He had served with the South Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control for four years and had previously served with the Rock Hill Police Department for 14 years.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, and four sons.
Media
Garnett Edward Dabney
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Service Record
U.S. Army
Also Served
South Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control
Agent
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 56W · Line 16 cut as GARNETT E DABNEY
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

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.

Agent Dabney gave the South Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control 18 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

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