Deputy Sheriff Esther LaFayette Lewis, Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

Deputy Sheriff Esther LaFayette Lewis

Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, December 9, 1950

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Esther LaFayette Lewis

Deputy Lewis was shot and killed at approximately 6:15 pm as he attempted to take a man into custody for shooting his estranged wife's dog.

As he was arresting the suspect on Highway 15-A near Fayetteville, the man drew a concealed handgun and shot Deputy Lewis four times, and then fled the scene.

The suspect was arrested, convicted of first-degree murder, and sentenced to life on January 19, 1951. He was sent to the Dorothea Dix Mental Hospital in Raleigh, where he escaped a few days later. He was recaptured in Seattle, Washington, by FBI agents on December 23, 1955. He was paroled on February 8, 1982.

Deputy Lewis was a United States Army veteran of World War I. He was survived by his wife and child.

Bio

Age 53
Tour Not available
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Paroled in 1982

arrest attempt, convicted felon

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Deputy Sheriff Lewis,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War I. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

December 9, 2025