Matewan Police Department, West Virginia
End of Watch: Thursday, June 18, 1959
Age: 43
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 14, 1959
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Served one year
Patrolman Raymond Perkins was shot and killed while he was investigating a suspicious vehicle.
On June 14th, 1959, Patrolman Perkins was investigating a suspicious vehicle. He recognized the driver as a person with prior arrests and usually having outstanding warrants. Patrolman Perkins ordered the suspect out of the vehicle for questioning.
As the suspect talked with the officer, his wife exited the vehicle, ran up behind Patrolman Perkins, and shot six rounds at his back. He was only hit by three of the six rounds and was able to get one shot off, hitting her in the shoulder. As a result of his injuries, he slipped into a coma from which he never recovered.
Both suspects were arrested, but Patrolman Perkins' murderer served only one year.
Patrolman Perkins had served with the Matewan Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and 13 children.