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Incident
Sheriff James Kennedy was shot and killed after he attempted to arrest a suspect who and just shot a man over a two dollar card game. After the suspect shot the man, he was followed by two policemen, but held them at bay with his pistol until Sheriff Kennedy arrived. Sheriff Kennedy called to the suspect, who was hiding in his father-in-laws house, to come out. When the suspect exited the house, he started firing. Sheriff Kennedy was shot in the chest and the suspect was wounded twice in the leg by Sheriff Kennedy and the two patrolmen. The suspect then began to reload his pistol, but was shot and killed by the dying Sheriff Kennedy, who was on the ground. Sheriff Kennedy died minuets later from his wound.
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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.
Sheriff Kennedy served with the Abbeville County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Abbeville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Kennedy.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Abbeville County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1900, 2 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1900, 86 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 74th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1900, 89 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 76th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James had served 0 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 9.2% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Sundays: 19.5%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Abbeville County Sheriff's Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 21% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Abbeville County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 18-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Abbeville County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
