Deputy Sheriff Edward N. Griffitts

Edward N. Griffitts

Deputy Sheriff Griffitts was shot and killed when he and another deputy went to arrest a man on a warrant for lewdness.

The two deputies went to a barn in Unitia, Tennessee, to arrest the suspect. When they arrived, they found the suspect and a woman on the second level of the barn. When Deputy Griffitts told the suspect he was under arrest, the suspect drew a large caliber handgun and opened fire. He struck Deputy Griffitts in the chest, killing him. A second shot struck the other deputy in the hip, seriously wounding him.

The 50-year-old suspect fled but was captured by a posse led by the Sheriff of Loudon County. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. He was pardoned on February 22nd, 1910, by Governor Malcolm R. Patterson.

Deputy Griffitts was survived by his father, brother, and fiancée.