Incident
Investigator Mark Tucker was shot and killed as he investigated shots being fired.
He observed the suspect firing a shotgun in a field. The suspect, who was on felony probation, thought he was going to be arrested for firearms possession so he shot and killed Investigator Tucker. His body was found next to his unmarked patrol car near the intersection of Holly Springs and Winding Oak Roads. His service weapon was still in its holster.
The suspect fled the scene but was apprehended two days later after investigator received a tip from a member of the community on a hotline that had been set up.
The man, 18, was arrested and charged with murder. Two other men, both 18, were also arrested and charged with helping the suspect hide from police. The killer was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole. The two accomplices were sentenced to nine months in prison and 36 months of probation.
Investigator Tucker had served with the Wake County Sheriff's Office for 24 years and had also served with the United States Marshals Service for four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two sons, parents, sister, and three brothers.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-1DE89AF0- 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
28 years. You could have gone home.
Investigator Tucker gave the Wake County Sheriff's Office 28 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Raleigh community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Investigator Tucker.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Investigator Mark Reid Tucker 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 Wake County Sheriff's Office, 4 of 6 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Mark Reid Tucker's cause is highlighted.
How Mark Reid Tucker Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Mark Reid Tucker is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Mark Reid Tucker was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Wake County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.



