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Joseph John Matuskovic
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Joe Matuskovic was shot and killed as he and several other deputies responded to a disturbance call at an apartment complex at the intersection of Ashley River Road and Carriage Lane.
Two deputies working an overtime assignment at the complex had requested assistance from additional deputies to help deal with the subject who had been pounding on apartment doors and vehicles in the parking lot. The man then went inside his apartment. As the deputies attempted to make contact with the man he opened fire through the apartment door using an AK-47 style rifle, striking Deputy Matuskovic and another deputy.
Both deputies were pulled to safety and transported to the Medical University of South Carolina, where Deputy Matuskovic succumbed to his wounds.
The Charleston Police Department SWAT team made entry into the home several hours later and found the subject dead of a gunshot wound. It was determined that the subject had been shot at least twice by return gunfire and died as a result.
Mr. Larry Britton, an employee with the Charleston County’s Technology Services and Radio Operations, suffered a fatal heart attack while assisting the Charleston County Sheriff's Office with joint communications during the event. Mr. Britton also served as a South Carolina State Constable, but was not on duty in that capacity at the time of his death.
Deputy Matuskovic had served in law enforcement for 17 years.
Survivors
He is survived by three children and his fiancee.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Matuskovic gave the Charleston County Sheriff's Office 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the North Charleston community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Matuskovic.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Charleston County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 2014, 1 officer in SC was killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 2014, 63 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 119th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2014, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 43. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
Joseph was 43. 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. Joseph had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 43. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 9.9% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Mondays: 13.6%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 20% of all 5 deaths at Charleston County Sheriff's Office, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; ak-47, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; ak-47, in 0.4% 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 rifle; ak-47, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; ak-47, in 0.2% of these deaths.
His people
Charleston County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Charleston County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
