State Constable Robert Lee Bailey
South Carolina State Constable
South Carolina
End of Watch: Monday, May 14, 2007

Biographical Info
Age: 67
Tour of Duty: 43 years
Badge Number: 605

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Monday, May 14, 2007
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Five suspects in custody

Constable Robert Bailey was shot and killed just after conducting a vehicle stop.

Constable Bailey had just cleared a traffic stop in Lincolnville and was on Greenwood street where two suspects lived. Gunfire was then heard by witnesses and radio contact with the constable was lost. When officers arrived at the scene, Constable Bailey was missing. His constable's cap, two pistols, several shell casings, and a large pool of his blood were found in the street, and also in the yard of a nearby home. His cruiser was later found burning about five miles away.

A five day search for Constable Bailey ended when his body was discovered in a shallow grave about 50 miles from where he was last seen.

Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder.

Constable Bailey had served as a volunteer South Carolina State Constable for 5 years and assisted the 1-person Lincolnville Police Department with patrol duties. He had previously served with the Dorchester County Sheriff's Department for 38 years. He is survived by three children and three grand-children.

Agency Contact Information
South Carolina State Constable
c/o SC SLED
PO Box 21398
Columbia, SC 29221

Phone: (803) 737-9000