Prev
Incident
Patrolman Spinnett and Patrolman Robert Crawford were shot and killed after responding to a disturbance call on Douglas Drive at 2250 hours. When the officers arrived they encountered two men in the front lawn. When they followed the men inside a struggle ensued and one of the suspects gained control of Patrolman Crawford's service weapon. The suspect shot Patrolman Crawford in the throat. Patrolman Spinnett was able to return fire but was struck in the head. Both suspects were apprehended the same day. The suspect who shot the two officers was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to two consecutive life terms on May 11, 1977. He died in prison on March 14, 1995. The other suspect was convicted of being an accessory after the fact of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison on May 12, 1977. He was parolled on January 21, 1981. A few months later he was killed in Stanly County during an altercation over a poker game.
Survivors
Patrolman Spinnett had been with the agency for three years and was survived by his parents, brother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
NW-XRWQ-99W8-Aearlier record number BO-US-NC-6523EA00- 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 Dennis. 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.
Patrolman Spinnett gave the Thomasville Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Thomasville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Spinnett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Thomasville Police Department has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
Dennis is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Dennis is one of 15,741 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.2% of the 27,543 remembered there.
Dennis 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 1977, 2 officers at Thomasville Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1977, 6 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1977, 128 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 36th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1977, 146 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 34th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Dennis was 28. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Thomasville Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 30; the middle age was 29. Dennis had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 1 years.
Dennis was 28. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Dennis had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Dennis was 28. 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. Dennis had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Dennis was 28. Of the 15,849 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Dennis had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 40% of these deaths at Thomasville Police Department, more than any other month. Saturdays: 60%.
January holds 6.5% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Saturdays: 19.5%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Thomasville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 40% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 7.8% 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 officer's handgun, in 5.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,910 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Thomasville Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Dennis among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 20-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Thomasville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
