Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Joseph Ellis was shot and killed when he and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance. The suspect opened fire through the home's door when Officer Ellis entered the yard, fatally wounding him. The suspect, who personally knew Officer Ellis, fled the scene but was later apprehended. He was convicted of murder, sentenced to prison, and released after 15 years. Officer Ellis was a veteran of WWI and had served with the Wilson Police Department for 6 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, and 12 siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NC-F526A6D9- 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 Joseph. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Ellis gave the Wilson Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wilson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Ellis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Joseph Henry Ellis 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 Wilson 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. Joseph Henry Ellis's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Henry Ellis Compares
Offender Outcome
Released after 15 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Henry Ellis is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Henry Ellis was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Wilson Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
