Prev
Incident
Officer Massey was shot and killed by a man who refused to pay a $2.00 fine imposed by the court. As the man turned to walk out of the court Officer Massey put his hand on the man's shoulder. The suspect suddenly turned, produced a pistol and shot Officer Massey in the chest. As Officer Massey stumbled away he was shot again in the back. Other officers immediately began to struggle with the suspect, who was able to wound a local marshal seriously. Another officer forcibly took the pistol from the suspect and took him into custody. When the other grabbed the pistol it discharged, the bullet lodging in the suspect's thigh.. Officer Massey succumbed to his wounds the following day.
On June 1, 1890, the suspect was released in lieu of a $10,000 bond. The suspect, in critical condition from the bullet wound in his thigh and bed ridden, was sent to the home of his parents in Colbert. The last information about him was he was much better a month later.
Officer Massey was survived by his wife and child. An emergency session of the city council appropriated $1,000 for support his widow.
Survivors
Officer Massey was survived by his wife and child.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtpxdym8avcqx5x3y3fge- 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 Robert. 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
136 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Officer Massey served with the Brunswick Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Brunswick community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Brunswick Police Department has lost 7 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1890, 1 officer at Brunswick Police Department was killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1890, 4 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 42nd heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1890, 65 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 113th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1890, 66 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 32. Of the 4 killed feloniously at Brunswick Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 31.8 and 39; the middle age was 33.
Robert was 32. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38.
Robert was 32. 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.
Robert was 32. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 33.3% of these deaths at Brunswick Police Department; March holds the most, 33.3%. Sundays: 33.3%.
April holds 9.3% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Sundays: 16.4%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 85.7% of all 7 deaths at Brunswick Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% 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
Brunswick Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Brunswick Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
