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Incident
Patrolman Clifton Massey was shot and killed after being attacked by two brothers in a pool hall where he was taking his dinner break. The brothers had entered the pool hall, gone to the rest room, and then came out and immediately attacked Patrolman Massey.
One of the brothers was able to disarm the officer and then both men fled outside. As Patrolman Massey got up to chase after them one of the brothers returned and shot Patrolman Massey with his own service weapon, killing him.
On January 29, 1947, both brothers, 24 and 26, were convicted of second degree murder. The older brother who shot him was sentenced to 30 years. He was paroled on April 6, 1948. The younger brother was sentenced to 15 to 20 years.
Patrolman Massey was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
On January 29, 1947, both brothers, 24 and 26, were convicted of second degree murder. The older brother who shot him was sentenced to 30 years. He was paroled on April 6, 1948. The younger brother was sentenced to 15 to 20 years.
Survivors
Patrolman Massey was survived by his wife, son, and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Massey served with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Roanoke Rapids community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Massey.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Roanoke Rapids Police Department has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Clifton is one of 385 officers killed feloniously in NC, 58% of the 664 remembered there.
Clifton is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Clifton 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 1946, 2 officers in NC were killed feloniously, the 64th heaviest of 127 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 12.
In 1946, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1946, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Clifton was 42. Of the 370 killed feloniously in NC whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39.
Clifton was 42. 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.
Clifton was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
November holds 6.8% of these deaths in NC; May holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 16.1%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Roanoke Rapids Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 50% 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 57.1% of all 27,551 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 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's handgun, in 5.2% of these deaths.
His people
Roanoke Rapids Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, Clifton among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 29-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Roanoke Rapids Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
