Prev
Incident
Officer Joseph Ellis was shot and killed when he and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance. The suspect opened fire through the home's door when Officer Ellis entered the yard, fatally wounding him. The suspect, who personally knew Officer Ellis, fled the scene but was later apprehended. He was convicted of murder, sentenced to prison, and released after 15 years. Officer Ellis was a veteran of WWI and had served with the Wilson Police Department for 6 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, and 12 siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpdwprkq4jjhp50eqcw4- 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 Joseph. 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.
Police Officer Ellis gave the Wilson Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wilson community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Ellis.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wilson Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Joseph is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Joseph is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Joseph 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 1927, 5 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 20th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1927, 220 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1927, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Joseph was 27. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Joseph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Joseph 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. Joseph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Joseph was 27. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Joseph had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.1% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Tuesdays: 14.3%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Wilson Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 16.4% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Wilson Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Joseph among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 17-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Wilson Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
