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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Morefield was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect wanted for two murders in West Virginia.
He had been notified that the suspect was working at a railroad camp near Speer's Ferry.
Deputy Morefield obtained a warrant for the suspect and deputized three citizens to assist him with the arrest. The officers located the man's shack at around midnight and ordered him to come out. The suspect, along with two other men, exited the shack shooting. One shot struck Deputy Morefield in the chest, killing him.
The three suspects fled into Tennessee but were arrested a short time later. They were returned to Scott County and charged with Deputy Morefield's murder. Six months later two suspects were convicted of murder and both were sentenced to 14 years.
The information given to Deputy Morefield about one of the men wanted for two murders in West Virginia turned out to be false. The man who gave him the false information was arrested. It was soon discovered that he was in fact wanted for murder in Tennessee. He was extradited to Sullivan County, Tennessee, to face a murder charge there.
Deputy Morefield also served as a county magistrate in Clinchport.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
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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 Morefield 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 Morefield.
— 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.
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, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1908, 6 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 10th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1908, 129 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 35th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1908, 129 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 45. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
James was 45. 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.
James was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 5.6% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Scott County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 10.9% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Scott County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Scott County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
