Claude Morgan
1925
Claude H. Morgan.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Patrolman Claude Morgan, Detective Ambrose Smith, and Patrolman William Terry were shot and killed while conducting a liquor raid on a house at 2nd Avenue (current-day Shenandoah Avenue) and 22nd Street, NW, in Roanoke. At 9:00 p.m., the officers surrounded the house when a pistol shot suddenly rang out. In the ensuing shootout, all three officers were fatally wounded. Patrolman Morgan was struck in the head and succumbed to his wounds early the next morning. Patrolman Terry was struck in the abdomen and succumbed to his wounds two days later. Detective Smith succumbed to his wounds two years later. The suspect was apprehended a few days later and sentenced to life plus 18 years. Patrolman Morgan was a United States Navy WWI veteran and had served with the Roanoke City Police Department for 3 1/2 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and siblings.
Service Record
Also Served
Roanoke City Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtn62ywm560qx7x2mx92k
Record added
August 2, 2026
neuraweb.nw
Stewarded by
neuraweb.nw
Last updated
August 2, 2026
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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Claude. Claim this record.
Be the first to honor Claude.
Leave a Tribute