LINCOLNTON, N.C. - A memorial service for Sgt. John Hugh Howell, II will be held at 3 p.m., Monday, August 26, 2024.  The service will be conducted at the new Lincoln County Courthouse, at 120 Justice Drive in Lincolnton.

John Hugh Howell II was only 24 years old when he was shot and killed on August 26, 1973, while responding to a domestic dispute in which a man had assaulted his daughter.  Sgt. Howell was familiar with the family because of previous trips to diffuse domestic incidents so when he arrived at the location the man’s son let him into the house.

While inside he exchanged shots with the father, who was armed with a .22 caliber rifle.  Sergeant Howell was struck in the chest and hand.  He was able to make it to his patrol car and radioed for assistance before succumbing to his wounds.

The suspect was arrested and charged with murder and assault.  He was convicted of second-degree murder on March 1, 1974, and sentenced to 25 years in prison.  He served just over eight years of the sentence and was released on May 28, 1982.  In May of 1995 he was killed when a tractor overturned on top of him.

Sgt. Howell joined the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in 1971 after serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam.  Sergeant John H. Howell, II is honored with a plaque in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center and another plaque at the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. 

The street that runs past the Sheriff’s Office law enforcement center is named the John Howell Memorial Drive.  The memory of Sgt. John Howell remains constant and carries on.  May Sgt. Howell rest in peace and always be remembered for his ultimate sacrifice.