Patrol Officer Roy Eugene Watkins, Forest City Police Department, North Carolina

Patrol Officer Roy Eugene Watkins

Forest City Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Saturday, October 7, 1939

Roy Eugene Watkins

Officer Watkins was shot and killed as he responded to a domestic disturbance. A man had gone to a woman's home and threatened to kill everyone there when she refused to come outside. As the officer approached the man opened fire with his 12-gauge shotgun, fatally wounding Officer Watkins. The suspect was apprehended later that evening.

The suspect was convicted of first degree murder and executed in the gas chamber June 14, 1940.

Officer Watkins had been with the agency for three years.

Bio

Age 29
Tour 3 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun; 12 gauge
Offender Executed in 1940

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Most Recent Reflection

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You are the father that I heard about, but do not remember. I wish that I had been able to remember and know you because the stories that I have been told make me proud but also sad that I had to grow up without you. You lost your life saving others. Our lives were changed forever that day in October when you died. My mother often went to your grave site and sat on the foot stone to 'talk to you'. She lived without the husband that she loved dearly, and I grew up without a father. She is now buried by your side. Your loving daughter, Barbara

Barbara Watkins Daye
daughter

October 12, 2011