On February 2, 1987, Deputy Bruce Williford, 28, was shot and killed in Augusta, Georgia while serving misdemeanor warrants for non-payment of child support on a former deputy, Dennis Murray. Williford had served with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office for seven years. He and a partner arrived at Murray’s residence about 7:45 a.m.; during the encounter Murray took the partner hostage and then shot Williford in the chest. Williford was pronounced dead at the Medical College of Georgia Hospital.

Another deputy, Larry Keel, was wounded in the confrontation and survived after surgery. The suspect, Dennis Murray, was shot and wounded by a backup officer while attempting to flee and was taken into custody. Murray later received multiple life sentences. Williford was a husband and father; his death affected his family, the sheriff’s office, and the Augusta community.