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Incident
Police Officer Henry Laxson was shot and killed as he and other officers responded to a domestic violence and shooting call in the 3600 block of Jervis Court in Rex at about 8:40 pm.
The first officers to arrive on the scene encountered a 12-year-old boy who had been shot in the face. Despite his injuries, the boy was able to lead officers to his house. As the officers approached the house, a man opened fire from inside before retreating inside toward the back of the home.
Officer Laxson and other members of the Tactical Unit were approaching the home from the rear when they encountered the man at the rear of the house. The man opened fire a second time, fatally wounding Officer Laxson and wounding another officer. Despite their wounds, the officers were able to return fire and kill the subject.
Both officers were transported to Grady Memorial Hospital, where Officer Laxson succumbed to his wounds.
Officer Laxson had been recognized as the Clayton County Police Department's Officer of the Quarter in October 2020.
Survivors
He is survived by his mom, dad, sister, and fiancée.
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.
Police Officer Laxson gave the Clayton County Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Jonesboro community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Laxson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Clayton County Police Department has lost 7 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Henry is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Henry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Henry 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 2021, 7 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 13th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 2021, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2021, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Henry was 27. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Henry had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Henry was 27. 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. Henry had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Henry was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Henry had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Tuesdays: 13.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 28.6% of all 7 deaths at Clayton County Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% 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.
His people
Clayton County Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Henry among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 44-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Clayton County Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
