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Incident
Constable Leon Smith was shot and killed while attempting to take police action during a dispute while working as a taxi driver in South Hill. A passenger in his cab began arguing about the fare and produced a gun. The two exchanged shots and both were wounded.
Constable Smith was taken to a hospital in Richmond where he died the next day.
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.
Constable Smith served with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Boydton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Constable Smith.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Leon is one of 393 officers killed feloniously in VA, 60.2% of the 653 remembered there.
Leon is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Leon 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 1925, 8 officers in VA were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 136 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 10.
In 1925, 208 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1925, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Leon was 51. Of the 364 killed feloniously in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
Leon was 51. 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.
Leon was 51. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in VA; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 13%.
June holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
June holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.2% of all 653 deaths in VA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 14.2% 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
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Leon among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.