Fremont Police Department, North Carolina
End of Watch Saturday, November 13, 1965
Add to My HeroesWalter Brannon Braswell
Chief Walter Braswell was shot and killed with his own weapon while putting two prisoners into a jail cell at the police department.
He had arrested a couple following a domestic disturbance. As he placed the female suspect into the cell, the male suspect grabbed Chief Braswell's weapon and shot him. The suspects then locked him in the cell, where he succumbed to his wounds. Both suspects were apprehended and charged with Chief Braswell's murder.
The male suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison on November 16, 1967. He was paroled on June 26, 1986. In 1989 he served eight months in prison for assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury. Six months later, he was returned to prison and served 11 months for an assault. In 1993 he was charged with another murder in Wake County. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years. He died in prison on January 20, 2002.
Chief Braswell had served in law enforcement for 40 years. He had come out of retirement 2 months prior to his murder to act as a temporary chief until a permanent chief could be hired. He was survived by his wife and children.
Bio
- Age 69
- Tour 40 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Paroled in 1986
Most Recent Reflection
View all 9 ReflectionsChief Braswell is my great great uncle, my beloved grandfather’s uncle. He was loved and respected and never forgotten by my grandfather. Walter, you will be known by our family as long as I am alive. There’s nothing more important than knowing and honoring family. With love and thanks for your service.. Rest peacefully and watch over us Braswells from the other side.
In honor of great great uncle Walter Brannon Braswell, Chief of Police, Fremont, NC- murdered on duty; never forgotten.
Hillary C. Braswell
January 17, 2023
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