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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Griffitts was shot and killed when he and another deputy went to arrest a man on a warrant for lewdness.
The two deputies went to a barn in Unitia, Tennessee, to arrest the suspect. When they arrived, they found the suspect and a woman on the second level of the barn. When Deputy Griffitts told the suspect he was under arrest, the suspect drew a large caliber handgun and opened fire. He struck Deputy Griffitts in the chest, killing him. A second shot struck the other deputy in the hip, seriously wounding him.
The 50-year-old suspect fled but was captured by a posse led by the Sheriff of Loudon County. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. He was pardoned on February 22nd, 1910, by Governor Malcolm R. Patterson.
Deputy Griffitts was survived by his father, brother, and fiancée.
The two deputies went to a barn in Unitia, Tennessee, to arrest the suspect. When they arrived, they found the suspect and a woman on the second level of the barn. When Deputy Griffitts told the suspect he was under arrest, the suspect drew a large caliber handgun and opened fire. He struck Deputy Griffitts in the chest, killing him. A second shot struck the other deputy in the hip, seriously wounding him.
Survivors
Deputy Griffitts was survived by his father, brother, and fiancée.
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 Griffitts served with the Loudon County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Lenoir City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Griffitts.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Loudon County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Edward is one of 498 officers killed feloniously in TN, 64.8% of the 769 remembered there.
Edward is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Edward 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 1903, 3 officers in TN were killed feloniously, the 54th heaviest of 147 years on record. The heaviest was 1931, with 12.
In 1903, 103 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 50th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1903, 106 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 57th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Edward was 25. Of the 449 killed feloniously in TN whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 50; the middle age was 41.
Edward was 25. 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.
Edward was 25. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
September holds 9% of these deaths in TN; December holds the most, 10.2%. Saturdays: 17.1%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 6 deaths at Loudon County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 64.8% of all 769 deaths in TN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 2.6% 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; pistol, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; pistol, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Loudon County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Edward among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 3-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Loudon County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
