John Thomas Wells

1953

Life Keepsakes Service Also Served Memorials In Our Keeping

John Thomas Wells.

How He Died

Manner Homicide

Cause Gunshot wound

Mechanism Firearm

What Happened

Sheriff John Wells was shot and killed after responding to reports of a gunfight between two men in Burgaw at 7:30 am. When Sheriff Wells arrived, he encountered one of the men holding a shotgun. He ordered the man to drop the weapon three times, but the man turned towards him. Sheriff Wells opened fire, wounding the suspect, who fired back and struck Sheriff Wells in the head. The suspect then shot himself in the chest. Sheriff Wells was a World War I veteran and had served with the Pender County Sheriff's Department for three years.

Survivors

He was survived by his wife and two sons.

Keepsakes

Service Record

Also Served

Pender County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff

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Memorials

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 20W · Line 11 cut as JOHN T WELLS

In Our Keeping

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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw

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Last updated August 2, 2026

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