Deputy Sheriff William Picket "Willie" Giddens, Worth County Sheriff's Office, Georgia

Deputy Sheriff William Picket "Willie" Giddens

Worth County Sheriff's Office, Georgia

End of Watch Tuesday, December 28, 1920

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William Picket "Willie" Giddens

Deputy Sheriff Willie Giddens was shot and killed late one evening near Doles as he and another deputy attempted to serve a warrant on a man for failure to appear in court. As they entered the man's home he opened fire with a shotgun killing Deputy Giddens instantly. The suspect was apprehended several days later in East Chicago, Indiana.

The suspect was found guilty of murder and sentenced to hang. The Georgia Supreme Court overturned the conviction and a new trial was ordered. The suspect was again found guilty of murder and sentenced to hang, but the Georgia Supreme Court again overturned the conviction. His third trial resulted in an involuntary manslaughter conviction and he was sentenced to 15 to 20 years in prison.

Deputy Giddens had served with the Worth County Sheriff's Office for four years. He was survived by his wife and five children.

Bio

Age 38
Tour 4 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Sentenced to 15 to 20 years

warrant service

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Most Recent Reflection

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Your dedicated service to this County and its citizens will not be forgotten. For over 100 years you've gone but as Sheriff of the County of Worth I intend to gather lost information to create and post a resolution and your picture in the halls of the Worth County Courthouse so that your memory may live on. Thanks for your service sir.

Sheriff Don Whitaker
Worth County Sheriff's Ofice

April 27, 2022