Incident
Chief of Police David Reasons was shot and killed while responding to a domestic disturbance at a home one block from the town hall. As Chief Reasons and another officer entered the home they were confronted by the husband, who was armed with a .22 caliber pistol. As the officers backed out of the home Chief Reasons slammed the door on the suspect's arm. The suspect then fired four shots, striking Chief Reasons in the chest three times, killing him. The other officer, who was armed only with a nightstick, grabbed Chief Reasons' revolver from its holster and returned fire, wounding the suspect. The man was convicted of murdering Chief Reasons and sentenced to life in prison. He was paroled on July 5th, 1983. Chief Reasons had served with the agency for 10 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn90yhd7vky4jx2dk0pk- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew David. 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.
Chief of Police Reasons gave the Stantonsburg Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Stantonsburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Reasons.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
David is the only officer of Stantonsburg Police Department remembered here.
David is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
David is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1966, 5 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1966, 77 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 91st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1966, 81 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 87th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 62. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. David had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
David was 62. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. David had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 62. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 8.3% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Mondays: 12.7%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Stantonsburg Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 23-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Stantonsburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.