Deputy Sheriff W. Vernon Eason, Gates County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

Deputy Sheriff W. Vernon Eason

Gates County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

End of Watch Tuesday, May 5, 1925

Add to My Heroes

W. Vernon Eason

Deputy Sheriff Vernon Eason was shot and killed at a dance hall by a man he attempted to arrest for a minor offense. The suspect fled into the Great Dismal Swamp, pursued by a posse of more than 600 men. He was apprehended the next day.

A month later the suspect was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death. On March 25, 1926, Governor Angus W. McLean commuted his sentence to life after several doctors convinced him that the suspect was insane. He died at the state mental hospital in Goldsboro September 29, 1928.

Deputy Eason was survived by his father, three brothers, and a sister.

Bio

Age 24
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 4 Reflections

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 84th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 5, 2009