Prev
Incident
Deputy Masters was accidentally shot and killed by the 12-year-old daughter of one his friends. He was conducting a larceny investigation when he stopped by a friend's home. The friend was showing him a homemade pistol. Deputy Masters unloaded the gun but neglected to unload the round in the chamber. The friend's daughter came into the room, picked up the gun, and pulled the trigger and making a joke. The round in the chamber fired, striking Deputy Masters in the stomach. The shooting was ruled accidental and the girl was not charged.
Survivors
Deputy Masters was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpkath9mkpvk2n047de1- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Russell. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Masters served with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Pickens community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Masters.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pickens County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Russell is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
Russell is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Russell 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 1954, 2 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 46th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1954, 76 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 92nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1954, 77 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 97th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
January holds 8.1% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Fridays: 15.4%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Pickens County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, 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 gun, in 17.3% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Pickens County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Russell among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 10-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Pickens County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
