Deputy Sheriff Willie West

Willie West

Deputy Sheriff Willie West was shot and killed as he and another deputy checked on a truck in a remote area of Walden's Ridge.

The deputies were returning from raiding several taxi stands where illegal liquor was being sold when they spotted the truck. As they walked around the truck the owner, and his son, approached. The two had been target practicing nearby and were preparing to leave. After exchanging words the father and deputies exchanged shots. Deputy West was struck with a 16-gauge shotgun blast and killed. The father was also killed.

Deputy West had been appointed as a fee-deputy only two weeks earlier. He had served as a fee-deputy under previous sheriff's as well. He was survived by his wife, four stepdaughter, two stepsons, sister, and two brothers.