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Incident
Deputy Leonard Clarke was shot and killed as he attempted to serve a warrant on a 38-year-old man wanted for assaulting his wife in Spray, North Carolina.
When Deputy Clarke attempted to serve the warrant, the man threatened to shoot him or anyone else who came into the home. As a result of the threat, Deputy Clarke returned to the station for assistance.
He and two other deputies returned to the home to serve the warrant a second time. When Deputy Clarke entered his bedroom the suspect shot and killed him as he lay in bed surrounded by his children. The suspect was then taken into custody. He was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Deputy Clarke had served with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Department for 4 years, and was assigned as an officer to the Spray area.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, brother, and two sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- 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.
Deputy Sheriff Clarke gave the Rockingham County Sheriff's Office 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Wentworth community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Clarke.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Leonard is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Leonard is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Leonard 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 1938, 8 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1938, 111 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 45th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1938, 113 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Leonard was 38. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39. Leonard had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Leonard was 38. 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. Leonard had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Leonard was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Leonard had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
March holds 6.2% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Wednesdays: 9.9%.
March holds 7.5% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
March holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at Rockingham County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 58% of all 664 deaths in NC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 11.2% 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; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Rockingham County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Leonard among them.
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
2 officers from Rockingham County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
