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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
NW-GKED-913A-Hearlier record number BO-US-NC-1DE89AF0- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wake County Sheriff's Office has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Mark is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Mark is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
Mark is one of 17,629 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,910 remembered here.
33,910 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2004, 3 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 2004, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2004, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Mark was 49. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Mark had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Mark was 49. Of the 14,215 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Mark had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Mark was 49. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Mark had served 28 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.8% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 16.1%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Wake County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 13.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.2% of all 27,543 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Wake County Sheriff's Office has 6 officers remembered here, Mark among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Wake County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
