Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Spinnett and Patrolman Robert Crawford were shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call on Douglas Drive at 2250 hours. When the officers arrived they encountered two men in the front lawn. When they followed the men inside a struggle ensued and one of the suspects gained control of Patrolman Crawford's service weapon. The suspect shot Patrolman Crawford in the throat. Patrolman Spinnett was able to return fire but was struck in the head. Both suspects were apprehended the same day. The suspect who shot the two officers was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to two consecutive life terms on May 11, 1977. He died in prison on March 14, 1995. The other suspect was convicted of being an accessory after the fact of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison on May 12, 1977. He was parolled on January 21, 1981. A few months later he was killed in Stanly County during an altercation over a poker game.
Survivors
Patrolman Spinnett had been with the agency for three years and was survived by his parents, brother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-6523EA00- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Spinnett gave the Thomasville Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Thomasville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Spinnett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Dennis Franklin Spinnett is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In NC, 385 of 664 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58% of this state's fallen. That is 58 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Thomasville Police Department, 5 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Dennis Franklin Spinnett's cause is highlighted.
How Dennis Franklin Spinnett Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Dennis Franklin Spinnett is highlighted in Jan.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Dennis Franklin Spinnett was killed by officer's handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Thomasville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
