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Incident
High Sheriff John Cook was shot in the head and killed while discharging his duties as sheriff.
The subject who shot him was believed to have fled to Tennessee.
Sheriff Cook had served as sheriff for only 10 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute - 1 candle.
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Tributes
222 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
High Sheriff Cook served with the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Charlotte community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
John is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1804, 1 officer in NC was killed feloniously, the 94th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1804, 1 officer in the United States was killed feloniously, the 197th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1804, 1 officer worldwide was killed feloniously, the 228th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 74. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. John had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
John was 74. 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. John had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 74. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.8 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 10.4% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Tuesdays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 11.2% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
