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Incident
Captain James Myers was shot and killed by a man who was on a cross-country crime spree in which he had already murdered one person.
The suspect fled a nearby gas station after attempting to use a stolen credit card when he came onto Captain Myers' farm. He broke into Captain Myers' shed, watched TV, stole a few of his guns, and waited for Captain Myers to return. When Captain Myers returned to his farm, the suspect shot him nine times and attempted to burn his body using diesel fuel.
The suspect then stole Captain Myers' department vehicle. He was apprehended three days later in Satellite Beach, Florida, when officers located him in the truck.
On November 30, 2006, the suspect pleaded guilty to murdering Captain Myers. He was sentenced to death on December 8, 2006. He was executed in 2025.
Captain Myers had served with the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety for 11 years and had served in law enforcement for over 30 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, also a law enforcement officer, and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
30 years. You could have gone home.
Captain Myers gave the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety 30 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the people of South Carolina. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Captain Myers.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Orangeburg Department of Public Safety has lost 4 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 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 2004, 1 officer in SC was killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 2004, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2004, 83 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 83rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 56. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 30 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
James was 56. 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 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 56. 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 30 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.7% of these deaths in SC, more than any other month. Sundays: 19.5%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 4 deaths at Orangeburg Department of Public Safety. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 75% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 21% 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, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Orangeburg Department of Public Safety has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 60-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Orangeburg Department of Public Safety are honored on badge.nw.
