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Incident
Sheriff Turner was shot and killed as he and several deputies attempted to arrest four men for operating a still near Sanford. The suspects opened fire on the deputies with shotguns. Sheriff Turner suffered a mortal wound to the face. Two of the other deputies were also wounded.
All four suspects were apprehended the next day. On April 17, 1927, two of the suspects were convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison. One was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 29 years. The fourth and youngest suspect, age 21, was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison.
Sheriff Turner had served as sheriff for only 3 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Turner served with the Lee County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Sanford community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Turner.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lee County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
James is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1927, 5 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 41. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. James had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James was 41. 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. James had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 41. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 0.2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.8% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Tuesdays: 14.3%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Lee County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 13.8% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Lee County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Lee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.