Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Clifton Massey was shot and killed after being attacked by two brothers in a pool hall where he was taking his dinner break. The brothers had entered the pool hall, gone to the rest room, and then came out and immediately attacked Patrolman Massey.
One of the brothers was able to disarm the officer and then both men fled outside. As Patrolman Massey got up to chase after them one of the brothers returned and shot Patrolman Massey with his own service weapon, killing him.
On January 29, 1947, both brothers, 24 and 26, were convicted of second degree murder. The older brother who shot him was sentenced to 30 years. He was paroled on April 6, 1948. The younger brother was sentenced to 15 to 20 years.
Patrolman Massey was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
On January 29, 1947, both brothers, 24 and 26, were convicted of second degree murder. The older brother who shot him was sentenced to 30 years. He was paroled on April 6, 1948. The younger brother was sentenced to 15 to 20 years.
Survivors
Patrolman Massey was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Massey served with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Roanoke Rapids community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Massey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Clifton L. Massey 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 Roanoke Rapids Police Department, 2 of 3 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. Clifton L. Massey's cause is highlighted.
How Clifton L. Massey Compares
Offender Outcome
Paroled in 1948
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Clifton L. Massey is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Clifton L. Massey was killed by officer's handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Roanoke Rapids Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
