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Incident
Sergeant John Yancey was shot and killed when he and three other deputies went to a home on Williams Creek Road in Oneida for a methamphetamine bust.
They went to the mobile home to interview several subjects about a suspected meth lab. Sergeant Yancey's partner went inside to search the mobile home after one of the suspects granted him permission. The other three deputies remained outside to guard exit points.
The deputy inside of the home claimed that someone was hiding in a closet and holding what appeared to be a weapon. Sergeant Yancey came inside for backup while the three suspects exited the trailer. While inside, Sergeant Yancey was shot, and his partner went outside to request additional backup. His partner claimed that the suspect shot Sergeant Yancey with a rifle, fled the trailer, and ran into the woods. Later, he changed his story and claimed he accidentally shot Sergeant Yancey, who was caught in the crossfire despite only one shot being fired.
Through the investigation, it was determined that Sergeant Yancey was shot by his partner, whose father was the Scott County sheriff. Details emerged years later when Sergeant Yancey's wife won a $5 million settlement against his partner. Witnesses stated that Sergeant Yancey had discovered that his partner was involved in the meth trade, and Sergeant Yancey had begun a secret investigation. Sergeant Yancey was also intending to run for sheriff during the next election. The deputy was fired in 2006 and never served in law enforcement again. Despite an investigation by the FBI in 2010, he was never charged.
Three suspects were apprehended. A total of four suspects were charged with manufacturing methamphetamine but were not charged in connection with Deputy Yancey's death.
Sergeant Yancey had served with the Scott County Sheriff's Department for six years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, three sons, and father.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Yancey gave the Scott County Sheriff's Office 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Huntsville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Yancey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Scott County Sheriff's Office has lost 8 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
Hubert is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Hubert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Hubert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2003, 1 officer at Scott County Sheriff's Office was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2003, 3 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 2003, 64 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2003, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Hubert was 35. Of the 7 killed feloniously at Scott County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 53; the middle age was 43. Hubert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Hubert was 35. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41. Hubert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Hubert was 35. 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. Hubert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Hubert was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Hubert had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 12.5% of these deaths at Scott County Sheriff's Office; August holds the most, 37.5%. Fridays: 37.5%.
November holds 6.2% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Fridays: 14.9%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 8 deaths at Scott County Sheriff's Office.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause.
His people
Scott County Sheriff's Office has 8 officers remembered here, Hubert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Scott County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
