REMEMBRANCE: Deputy Sheriff William May

REMEMBRANCE: Deputy Sheriff William May
Artwork by Jonny Castro

Walton County, Florida, Deputy Sheriff William May wasn’t supposed to be working on Wednesday afternoon April 2, 2025. He decided to volunteer for an overtime shift to help provide staffing assistance. During that shift, a Dollar General store in Mossy Head, Florida, called 911 regarding an individual inside causing a disturbance, and needed him to be trespassed from the scene. Deputy May responded to that call. It was his last stop before heading home for the day.

Upon arriving at the location, Deputy May made contact with the suspect and the two had a brief conversation. Within 10 seconds of escorting the male out of the store, the suspect pulled out a gun and fired multiple rounds at the deputy. Although body armor was credited with stopping several rounds, one of the rounds struck him just outside the protective area of his vest. Despite being mortally wounded, he was able to return fire and kill the gunman. At least 18 rounds were fired in the short but violent gun battle. Deputy May was rushed to the hospital where medical staff fought for four hours to try and save his life, but he succumbed to his injuries later that evening.

Deputy William May had been a member of the Walton County Sheriff’s Office since 2014. He started as a communication officer, and was eventually promoted to deputy sheriff in 2019. Deputy May leaves behind a wife and four children.