U.S. Army · United States 
Royce Bennett
1979
Royce Leroy Bennett served the U.S. Army for 3 years. Royce also served in the U.S. Army.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Patrolman Royce Bennett was shot and killed during a traffic stop of a subject who was known to him. The vehicle stopped in a motel parking lot on U.S. Route 70. As he approached the vehicle the man shot a rifle through the driver's window, striking Patrolman Bennett in the chest. His vest stopped the round but the impact caused fatal injuries. Before succumbing to his wound he was able to return fire, but did not strike the subject. The man was acquitted of Patrolman Bennett's murder but was later shot and killed by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper during a traffic stop in which he opened fire on the trooper. Patrolman Bennett was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with Deming Police Department for just under 18 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
Service Record
U.S. Army
1972 – 1975
U.S. Army
Also Served
Deming Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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