United States of America
Headstone of Melvin Grigley
U.S. Marine Corps · United States United States

Melvin Grigley

Died July 2, 2000

Melvin Grigley served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 1 year and 11 months. Melvin served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Sergeant Melvin Grigley was shot and killed when three suspects attempted to carjack his vehicle at approximately 1:00 am.

Sergeant Grigley was visiting a friend in College Park and was parked in the home's driveway, near the intersection of Brittany Trail and Louis XIV Lane, when the incident occurred. As the suspects attempted to flee in Sergeant Grigley's vehicle he identified himself and exchanged shots with the suspects.

Sergeant Grigley was struck in the chest and mortally wounded but was able to wound one of the suspects as well. The weapon the suspects were using was stolen from an undercover sheriff's deputy only days earlier.

The 16-year-old shooter was apprehended several days later and charged with murder. The remaining two suspects were also apprehended at a later date. They were all sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

Sergeant Grigley was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Atlanta Police Department for 26 years.

Survivors
He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, mother, brother, and four sisters.
Media
Melvin Grigley
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Service Record
U.S. Marine Corps
1968 – 1970
Also Served
Atlanta Police Department
Sergeant
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 39W · Line 23 cut as MELVIN GRIGLEY
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Sergeant Grigley gave the Atlanta Police Department 26 years.

Thank you for your service to the Atlanta community. Thank you for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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