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Incident
Sheriff James Newcome was shot and killed while serving a warrant on a man for trying to sell sheep that had a levy imposed on them. Sheriff Newcome and two officers from the Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles went to the man's home near the Great North Mountain. The man's son answered the door before the man suddenly opened fire with a shotgun, killing Sheriff Newcome. The man also shot and wounded one of the state officers before fleeing into the mountain woods. The subject was taken into custody after his dog led a posse to where he was hiding in the nearby hills. The man was charged with murder in connection with the incident and sentenced to death. He was executed in the electric chair on November 25th, 1938. Sheriff Newcome had served with the Frederick County Sheriff's Office for nearly one year.
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Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Newcome served with the Frederick County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Winchester community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Newcome.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Frederick County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1938, 4 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James had served 0.9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James had served 0.9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James had served 0.9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.7% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Frederick County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 9.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Frederick County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Frederick County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
