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Incident
Corporal Zach Moak and Patrolman James White were shot and killed in front of a home at 630 North Sixth Street while responding to reports of shots fired shortly before 5:00 a.m.
Both officers encountered a male subject in front of the home and exchanged shots. The subject and both officers were struck during the shooting. Patrolman White and Corporal Moak were both transported to King's Daughters Medical Center, where they succumbed to their wounds.
The subject was taken into custody and taken to a separate hospital. Two additional subjects were taken into custody as part of the investigation. The suspect was a fugitive at the time of the shootings for failing to appear for a court date after a high-speed chase in 2017. In November 2021, the suspect pled guilty and was sentenced to life in prison for both counts of first-degree murder, as well as ten years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentences are to be run concurrently.
Corporal Moak had served with the Brookhaven Police Department for three years and had previously served with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the Wesson Police Department.
Survivors
He is survived by his parents, brother, niece, and nephew.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
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- 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Corporal Moak gave the Brookhaven Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Brookhaven community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Corporal Moak.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Brookhaven Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2018, 2 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 37th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 2018, 66 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2018, 69 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 109th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 31. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. Walter had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
Walter was 31. 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. Walter had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 31. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 10.7% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Saturdays: 18.1%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Brookhaven Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 16% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Brookhaven Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 50-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Brookhaven Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
