Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Raymond Perkins was shot and killed while he was investigating a suspicious vehicle. On June 14th, 1959, Patrolman Perkins was investigating a suspicious vehicle. He recognized the driver as a person with prior arrests and usually having outstanding warrants. Patrolman Perkins ordered the suspect out of the vehicle for questioning. As the suspect talked with the officer, his wife exited the vehicle, ran up behind Patrolman Perkins, and shot six rounds at his back. He was only hit by three of the six rounds and was able to get one shot off, hitting her in the shoulder. As a result of his injuries, he slipped into a coma from which he never recovered. Both suspects were arrested, but Patrolman Perkins' murderer served only one year. Patrolman Perkins had served with the Matewan Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and 13 children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-WV-63B399E7- 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 Perkins gave the Matewan Police Department 11 years.
Thank you for your service to the Matewan community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Perkins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Raymond Charles Perkins 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 WV, 169 of 232 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 72.8% of this state's fallen. That is 18.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Raymond Charles Perkins's cause is highlighted.
How Raymond Charles Perkins Compares
Offender Outcome
Served one year
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Raymond Charles Perkins is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Raymond Charles Perkins was killed by gun; unknown type.