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James Sherman Mullins
Incident
Inspector James Mullins succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two days earlier when he was shot by the Dickenson County sheriff on the courthouse steps in Clintwood.
The county sheriff was known to personally violate Prohibition laws and to protect other violators. Inspector Mullins had issued several warrants charging him with prohibition law violations and was instrumental in having the him removed from office.
The sheriff had received an official notice in the mail informing him of the removal. He immediately picked up his gun, left his home, and walked to the courthouse where he located Inspector Mullins speaking with a justice of the peace and the commonwealth's attorney about unrelated cases. As he approached he ordered the other men on the courthouse lawn to back away. As they did so he opened fire on Inspector Mullins, who then retreated up the courthouse steps. Inspector Mullins, who had only one hand due to a previous injury, attempted to draw his gun as the sheriff continued to fire at him. He took up a position behind a pillar and returned fire, striking the sheriff twice.
Both men were transported to the local hospital, where the sheriff died within 30 minutes. Inspector Mullins succumbed to his wounds two days later.
Inspector Mullins had served with the Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement for 2-1/2 years. He had previously served as a Dickenson County policeman, justice of the peace, and with the United States Marshals Service.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, several children, and several grandchildren.
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.
Inspector Mullins served with the Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement.
Thank you for your service to the Richmond community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Inspector Mullins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement has lost 8 officers; 8 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 1926, 1 officer at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1926, 3 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 59. Of the 8 killed feloniously at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement whose age is recorded, half were between 37.8 and 49.5; the middle age was 39.
James was 59. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
James was 59. 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 59. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 25% of these deaths at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement, more than any other month. Sundays: 12.5%.
August holds 9.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 8 deaths at Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 12.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 1.8% 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; revolver, in 0.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; revolver, in 0.8% of these deaths.
His people
Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement has 8 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Virginia Department of Prohibition Enforcement are honored on badge.nw.
