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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Charles Sims was shot and killed after responding to a domestic dispute involving a man and his wife.
While inside the couples home the man shot him in the head with a shotgun. The suspect was apprehended six weeks later in Albion, Michigan. Because of so many lynchings in Alabama, it took more than a month to convince Michigan Governor Wilbur M. Brucker to allow his return to Butler County.
On December 11th, 1931, the suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted to life. He died in prison on June 6th, 1933.
While inside the couples home the man shot him in the head with a shotgun. The suspect was apprehended six weeks later in Albion, Michigan. Because of so many lynchings in Alabama, it took more than a month to convince Michigan Governor Wilbur M. Brucker to allow his return to Butler County.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Sims served with the Butler County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Greenville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Sims.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Butler County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Charles is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 5 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 53. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
Charles was 53. 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.
Charles was 53. 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 9.6% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Fridays: 14.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Butler County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 16 gauge, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 16 gauge, in 0.2% 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 shotgun; 16 gauge, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun; 16 gauge, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Butler County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Butler County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
