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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Kitchen was shot and killed as he stopped to investigate a suspicious car that was stopped in the middle of the road four miles from Maxton. The occupant of the car, who was hauling illegal bootleg liguor, opened fire on him as he stepped from his own vehicle.
The suspect was apprehended in Columbia, South Carolina, several days later. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison on November 17th, 1920.
Deputy Kitchen was survived by his wife and five children.
Survivors
Deputy Kitchen 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 Kitchen served with the Robeson County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Lumberton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Kitchen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Robeson County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 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 1920, 7 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1920, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1920, 396 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 58. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39.
James was 58. 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 58. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
July holds 7.3% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Robeson County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% 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 handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Robeson County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Robeson County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
