Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Leonard Morris succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained two years earlier while chasing a suspect on Tazewell Avenue. The suspect was able to elude Patrolman Morris by hiding behind trash cans. As Patrolman Morris passed by, the suspect opened fire, striking him in the back. The man was sentenced to ten years in prison.
Survivors
Patrolman Morris was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-FA82A282- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Morris served with the Roanoke City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Roanoke community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Morris.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Leonard Russell Morris is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Roanoke City Police Department, 12 of 15 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 80% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Leonard Russell Morris's cause is highlighted.
How Leonard Russell Morris Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 10 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Leonard Russell Morris is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Leonard Russell Morris was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
14 officers from Roanoke City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
