Jeff Petty was a Seaman who was stationed on the U.S.S. Enterprise. While walking across the Waverly University campus one night, he came across Security Guard Samuel Tate who was intending to rape Sarah McGee. This prompted Jeff to intervene, saving Sarah but Tate turned on Petty and stabbed him, the fatal injury killing Seaman Petty instantly. Seaman Petty's body was later discovered and NCIS were dispatched to the crime scene. They later suspected Sarah was responsible due to overwhelming evidence against her but thanks to Abigail Sciuto, Tate and Madison were both exposed and arrested.