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Incident
County Policeman Linton Snow Skelton was shot and killed as he and the sheriff-elect attempted to serve a warrant on a man at his home five miles west of Hartwell, Georgia.
As the two officers approached the door, the suspect opened fire with a double barrel shotgun. The first shot struck Policeman Skelton in the face and neck, killing him. Several pellets from the second shot struck the sheriff-elect in the hand and body.
The suspect, age 40, fled through the rear of the house and was pursued by a posse. On July 15, 1951, a 67-year-old homeless man was arrested in Atlantic City, New Jersey, for prowling. It was soon discovered he was wanted for the murder of Policeman Skelton. He was extradited back to Georgia and jailed for murder. Even though the suspects identity was know at the time of the murder, he was released after four surviving witnesses failed to pick him out of a line up.
Policeman Skelton had served as a special officer for the Hart County Board of Commissioners for approximately three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, four sons, 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.
County Policeman Skelton gave the Hart County Board of Commissioners 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hartwell community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, County Policeman Skelton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Linton is the only officer of Hart County Board of Commissioners remembered here.
Linton is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Linton is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Linton 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 1924, 12 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1924, 225 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 4th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1924, 228 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Linton was 42. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Linton had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Linton was 42. 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. Linton had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Linton was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Linton had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Sundays: 16.4%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hart County Board of Commissioners. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 8.6% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Hart County Board of Commissioners are honored on badge.nw.