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Incident
Deputy Woods was killed while serving papers to a man in the Gray Court area. Two other deputies were also shot. There had been no conversation between the deputies and the suspect before he suddenly opened fire.
The gunman escaped from the rear of the house into a heavily wooded area after police lobbed tear gas into the house.
The suspect was killed while deputies were trying to apprehend him.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Woods served with the Laurens County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Laurens community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Woods.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Laurens County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Clayton is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
Clayton is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Clayton 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 1971, 3 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1971, 168 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 18th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1971, 181 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
June holds 7% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Tuesdays: 13.2%.
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 50% of all 6 deaths at Laurens County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 33.3% 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
Laurens County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Clayton among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Laurens County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
