Deputy Sheriff Jerry L. Darnell, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Alabama

Deputy Sheriff Jerry L. Darnell

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Alabama

End of Watch Sunday, June 14, 1964

Add to My Heroes

Jerry L. Darnell

Deputy Sheriff Jerry Darnell was shot and killed with his own service weapon while making a traffic stop at 2:30 am.

Deputy Darnell was writing the subject a citation for driving without a license when he attacked him, gained control of his service revolver, and shot him in the back. Later that day, the subject gave himself up to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff.

On September 14, 1966, the 29-year-old suspect was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Deputy Darnell was a United States Navy veteran and had served with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office for three years. He was survived by his parents and sisters.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Sentenced to life

traffic patrol, traffic stop

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 6 Reflections

To my uncle I never met and who died months before I was born I have often wondered what it would have been like with you in my life as I bear your name and wear it proudly I still have the holster your gun was pulled out of and worked the hallowed grounds you died I planted my feet at the flower bed you laid in and took your final breath even though I didn’t know you I will always remember you always…. Jerry S Darnell

Jerry Scott Darnell
Nephew

December 20, 2025