Police Officer Stanley Cornell Reaves

Police Officer Stanley Cornell Reaves

Norfolk Police Department, Virginia

End of Watch Friday, October 28, 2005

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Stanley Cornell Reaves

Officer Stanley Reaves was shot and killed after being flagged down by a citizen near the intersection of West 27th Street and DeBree Avenue.

The citizen informed him that a person in the area was acting suspiciously. Officer Reaves pulled around the corner, exited his patrol car, and began to approach the suspicious person. Without warning, the subject, 29, produced a handgun and immediately opened fire, striking Officer Reaves.

Officer Reaves was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The suspect fled the area and was arrested in White Plains, New York, on November 2nd, 2005. He was charged with capital murder of a police officer, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and grand larceny. On March 7th, 2007, he was found guilty of all three counts and sentenced to death, plus 22 years on the additional charges. The sentence was later commuted to life in prison without parole.

Officer Reaves had served with the Norfolk Police Department for only one year. He had previously served with the Baltimore City, Maryland, Police Department for 11 years. He is survived by his wife and two young children.

Bio

  • Age 33
  • Tour 12 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to death; commuted to life in

suspicious person

Most Recent Reflection

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I just wanted to thank all our officers and their families, but here especially the family of Stanley Reaves. I didn't know him, however in his loss of life he left an impression on me. I grew up in the neighborhood he died protecting. It was nearly 20 years ago. I'm 40 now. With all the other things that have happened in my life, before and since then, I will never forget that day. The sadness, the anger, and the guilt I felt as a member of the Park Place community. We lost a good officer that day, but also a father, a husband, and a friend to so many. I drove by there today. I drive by there often. I think about him every single time. May God continue to give strength and comfort to his family! Our city forever owes your a hefty debt of gratitude.

Jovan Kenneth Johnson
Citizen

February 4, 2024

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