In the early morning hours of May 3, 2008, a domestic disturbance call on Boyer Road in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, turned deadly for a veteran law enforcement officer. Deputy Sheriff William Howell Jr., a 46-year-old Black/African American male, was fatally shot while responding to the incident. The tragic event cut short a long and dedicated career in public service.
With 16 years of law enforcement experience, three of which were with the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office,
Corporal Howell was a respected figure. His career also included service with the Berkeley County Detention Center, Moncks Corner Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, and the Jamestown Police. On that fateful morning, at approximately 1:30 a.m., he was assisting a woman in retrieving her belongings from a residence. As he approached the home, a man named Derrick Buras opened fire with a shotgun, striking Howell in the neck.
The suspect, Derrick Buras, was out on bond for a previous charge of assault and battery with intent to kill. Following the shooting of Deputy Howell, Buras was himself killed at the scene. As he attempted to flee, he was run over by a car driven by his wife. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division took over the investigation into the incident. Due to the death of the suspect, no arrests were made in connection with Deputy Howell's murder.
William Howell Jr. was survived by his wife and four sons. His name is engraved on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C., a tribute to his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
