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Incident
Guard J.T. McAteer was shot and killed with his own service weapon at the Lancaster County Prison Camp during an escape attempt by an inmate.
He had allowed two prisoners into the guard shack to use the telephone. One of the inmates grabbed his .22 caliber pistol and shot him in the chest three times, killing him. The inmate then shot at the other prisoner, but did not hit him.
The suspect fled from the prison and forced a woman to drive him from the area. The man turned himself in 90 minutes after the shooting. He had only served one week of a 30-day sentence for public drunkenness when he murdered Guard McAteer.
The 25-year-old man was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 50 years in prison. He was released in 2007, but was re-arrested after making death threats at a county building.
Guard McAteer had served as a part-time guard at the prison camp for 1 year. He is survived by his parents, four sisters, and three brothers. His father also served as a part-time guard at the prison camp.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents, four sisters, and three brothers.
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
You barely got started.
Guard McAteer gave the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Lancaster community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Guard McAteer.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Lancaster County Sheriff's Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
J. is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
J. is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
J. 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 1977, 3 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
J. was 50. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. J. had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
J. was 50. 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. J. had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
J. was 50. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. J. had served 1 year; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.7% of these deaths in SC, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 13.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Lancaster County Sheriff's Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, 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 officer's handgun, in 7.7% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Lancaster County Sheriff's Department has 2 officers remembered here, J. among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 61-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Lancaster County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
