Incident
Deputy Sheriff Rick Rhyne was shot and killed after responding to investigate reports of trespassing at a home on Morrison Bridge Road.
While questioning two brothers he learned that one of them had a warrant for outstanding child support. As he attempted to place the man under arrest the man fatally shot him with a handgun. The suspect then committed suicide.
Deputy Rhyne had served with the Moore County Sheriff's Office for four years and had a total of 37 years in law enforcement. He had previously served with the Pinehurst Police Department and as police chief of the Foxfire Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and two grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-0CDFCC72- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Richard. 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
37 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Rhyne gave the Moore County Sheriff's Office 37 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Carthage community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Rhyne.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Richard Lee Rhyne 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 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 3.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Moore County Sheriff's Dept., 1 of 2 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard Lee Rhyne's cause is highlighted.
How Richard Lee Rhyne Compares
Offender Outcome
Committed suicide
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard Lee Rhyne is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard Lee Rhyne was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Moore County Sheriff's Dept. are honored on badge.nw.
