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Incident
Deputies William Stiltner and Cameron Justus were shot and killed after responding to assist other deputies who had been fired at by a sniper at the scene of a larceny in progress call.
Two deputies from the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office responded to the call at a car service business in Vansant. When they arrived, they began to search for the suspect when they were shot at from a distance by a suspect with a rifle. Both deputies were able to radio for assistance and crawl to a nearby home and took cover from the sniper.
Deputies Stiltner and Justus, along with members of the Virginia State Police responded to assist. As a perimeter was established to contain and search for the shooter, Deputies Justus and Stiltner were shot and killed by a high-powered rifle.
The suspect fled from a nearby ridge where he had fired from into the woods. He was located standing in front of a nearby house talking on a mobile phone. The suspect was shot and killed after he refused orders to get on the ground and then he drew a handgun on officers.
Deputy Stiltner had served with the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office for seven years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two children, and two 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.
Deputy Sheriff Stiltner gave the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Vansant community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Stiltner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William 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 2011, 2 officers at Buchanan County Sheriff's Office were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2011, 3 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 40th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 2011, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2011, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 46. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Buchanan County Sheriff's Office whose age is recorded, half were between 44.8 and 53.3; the middle age was 48. William had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 9 years.
William was 46. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. William had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 46. 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. William had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 46. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 40% of these deaths at Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, more than any other month. Sundays: 40%.
March holds 9.4% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Sundays: 18.6%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 83.3% of all 6 deaths at Buchanan County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 60% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 4.1% 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, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Buchanan County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 13-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Buchanan County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
