Everett E. Johns, a 35-year-old white male, was tragically killed on December 6, 1905, in Nassau County, Florida. Chief Deputy Johns was lured out of town by a suspect who had sworn out a bogus warrant, claiming that a man had stolen his fishing nets. Johns was assigned to accompany the suspect to the scene. When he failed to return, a search was undertaken, and his body was found two days later with a bullet wound to the back of his head.
He had been shot while riding in the buggy to the scene. It is believed that he was killed to prevent his testimony in a federal trial the following day.
Chief Deputy Johns had been serving with the Nassau County Sheriff's Department for only four months at the time of his death. Prior to this, he had served as the sheriff of Bradford County for eight years. Despite an investigation into his murder, no suspects were ever identified or arrested. The case remains unsolved, and the motive behind his assassination is believed to be linked to his impending testimony in a federal trial.
Johns' death was a significant loss to the law enforcement community. He was survived by his wife, daughter, son, and mother. His dedication to his duty and his tragic end are remembered by the Nassau County Sheriff's Office and the broader community. The circumstances of his death highlight the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the lengths to which some individuals will go to avoid justice.
