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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Ira Skeen was shot and killed in Slant while posting a notice at a grocery store for a special state election to change the state constitution. He had walked out of the store when he was shot three times by a man who held a grudge against him for having previously been arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and drunk in public. The subject, 64, fled the scene and hid until the new sheriff took office. At the time, the search for the suspect had been the largest manhunt in the state. He surrendered to authorities at his home 10 days later. He was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Survivors
Deputy Skeen was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Skeen served with the Scott County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Gate City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Skeen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Scott County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Ira is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Ira is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ira 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 1955, 2 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1955, 53 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 135th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1955, 53 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 139th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ira was 53. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
Ira was 53. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Ira was 53. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 10.4% of these deaths in VA, more than any other month. Thursdays: 16.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Scott County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 25.7% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Scott County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Ira among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 6-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Scott County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.