Deputy Sheriff Wilson McLain, Harlan County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

Deputy Sheriff Wilson McLain

Harlan County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky

End of Watch Saturday, April 17, 1976

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Wilson McLain

Deputy Wilson McLain was shot and killed while off duty, with his own handgun, in an unprovoked attack.

He was standing in a market in Lee County, Virginia when a man walked up behind him, took Deputy McLain's revolver out of its holster, and shot him five times. The suspect was shot and killed a few days later by Lee County Sheriff's deputies following a vehicle pursuit and shootout.

It is surmised that the suspect shot Deputy McLain either because he was wanted for questioning in a recent robbery or because he was upset that two of his brothers had just been convicted of a 1975 murder.

Deputy Wilson is survived by his wife, 14 living children, and 15 grandchildren.

Bio

Age 49
Tour Not available
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Virginia
Weapon Officer's handgun
Offender Shot and killed

off duty, retaliation

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Most Recent Reflection

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hello Daddy ,it's your baby girl Judy Elaine McLain. Mother Barbara McLain. I was the last of the 13teen . Daddy i miss y so much the day u were taken from my life , i knew i had lost the one and only person in this world that loved me . And i so miss the love u filled my life with . Im comung to be by u soon daddy .
Judy McLain Day
DB 01/29/1969 .
Daugther of
Wilson McLain and Barbara McLain .

Judy McLain
7th Daugther Wilsin Mclain

February 29, 2024

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