Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Leonard Clarke was shot and killed as he attempted to serve a warrant on a 38-year-old man wanted for assaulting his wife in Spray, North Carolina.
When Deputy Clarke attempted to serve the warrant, the man threatened to shoot him or anyone else who came into the home. As a result of the threat, Deputy Clarke returned to the station for assistance.
He and two other deputies returned to the home to serve the warrant a second time. When Deputy Clarke entered his bedroom the suspect shot and killed him as he lay in bed surrounded by his children. The suspect was then taken into custody. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Deputy Clarke had served with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Department for 4 years, and was assigned as an officer to the Spray area.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, brother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-ADA45DEC- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Leonard. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Clarke gave the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wentworth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Clarke.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Leonard R. Clarke 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 Rockingham County Sheriff's Office, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Leonard R. Clarke's cause is highlighted.
How Leonard R. Clarke Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Leonard R. Clarke is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Leonard R. Clarke was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Rockingham County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
