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Incident
Lieutenant Randy Gerald was shot and killed when he stopped for what he believed was a traffic accident in a parking lot along US Route 701 at approximately 1830 hours.
He was returning home after his shift at the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, still wearing his uniform, in his personal car when he observed a man and woman arguing. As he attempted to find out what was wrong, the male opened fire, fatally wounding him. The shooter then attempted to kill the woman, who was the man's girlfriend, as the two fled in separate cars.
The shooter was apprehended approximately 24 hours later after a massive manhunt. He was convicted of murdering Lieutenant Gerald and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
Lieutenant Gerald had been a member of the Horry County Sheriff's Department for 13 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two 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.
Lieutenant Gerald gave the Horry County Sheriff's Office 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Conway community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Gerald.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Horry County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Randy is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
Randy is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Randy is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2001, 1 officer in SC was killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 2001, 158 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2001, 160 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 27th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Randy was 47. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. Randy had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
Randy was 47. 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. Randy had served 13 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Randy was 47. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Randy had served 13 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%. Saturdays: 17.3%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Horry County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, 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 handgun; .45 caliber, in 1.1% 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; .45 caliber, in 0.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun; .45 caliber, in 0.5% of these deaths.
His people
Horry County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, Randy among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Horry County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
