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Incident
Sheriff David Oaks was shot and killed while assisting his deputies at a barricade situation of a man who had shot two deputies. After the officers fired tear gas into the house, the man came out with his hand raised claiming to surrender. He then lowered his rifle and opened fire, striking Sheriff Oaks three times. The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended without incident. He was sent to prison, was paroled, and died in 1989.
Survivors
Sheriff Oaks is survived by his wife, son, and three daughters.
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.
Sheriff Oaks served with the Burke County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Morganton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Oaks.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Burke County Sheriff's Office has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
David is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
David is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David 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 1966, 5 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1966, 77 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1966, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 44. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39.
David was 44. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
David was 44. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
August holds 8.1% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Sundays: 13.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Burke County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.8% 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 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Burke County Sheriff's Office has 4 officers remembered here, David among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Burke County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
