Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Blanton, i'm sorry for what happened to you almost 17 years ago, as you didn't deserve it. But rest assured, that piece of human garbage was caught not too long after murdering you, which goes to show how little remorse he had for doing what he did to you. Thankfully, he was sealed away from society permanently, as he's been sentenced to life without parole, meaning that he won't hurt anyone else again, and he will no longer tear the live's of familie's apart again. What's also sad is about your son, who passed away at only 4 months old, meaning he never knew or learned about his father's legacy, but on the bright side he's with you now, and you're taking care of him and raising him now that he's reunited with his father. It'll most likely never make sense to me as to why people think it's ok to harm an officer or trooper that's doing their job, but i think it's because they know they're doing something wrong, and they can't take responsibility or accounatability for their wrong-doing, and they think taking it out on others will solve it, when it does not. In your case, you were doing your job that day not knowing some scumbag like him would later take your life away, all because he couldn't take the sentence that he would've gotten that day had he complied. Not only that, he took away a father, a husband, a son, and a brother and friend to many that knew you and have met you. From what i can tell, i can tell you were well-liked by alot of people, and you were well-known for who you were as a person, not to mention you were proud of your cherokee heritage. I think that when you died, you left an even larger impact on the state of North Carolina, along with everyone who had the chance to meet you before you passed, which says alot about who you were and what you did with your short span of being a trooper for only 2 years. I think during those 2 years of being a trooper, you did alot during your time alive and making a true difference to people who didn't see it the way you did. But like i said earlier, the person who took your life really didn't have a reason to take your life, but if anything he could've went off with either a warning or court date. But instead he chose to prove how worthless of a human being he really is, which says alot about how evil and vile he truly was inside to harm an officer who was doing his job. But, you can rest in peace knowing that he didn't get away and he was caught, and he had the key thrown away on top of that, meaning he will no longer harm any other officers or civilians again. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing your service to the state of North Carolina is highly cherished, and that your son is now with you in heaven, and the man who killed you will face his punishment once karma reaches him. Karma takes it's time to catch those who do wrong, especially when it comes to harming police. The citizens of North Carolina have appreciated your service while you were alive, meaning you can rest peacefully knowing you made a difference during your service, and still do to this day. Rest Well Mr. Blanton

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

May 26, 2025

A great friend through patrol school, can’t believe it’s been so long.
Miss ya brother

Master Trooper Jason Singalevitch
NCSHP

June 17, 2024

We will never forget.
Rest easy Brother.

Sergeant E. J. Williams
North Carolina State Highway Patrol

June 17, 2024

Rest easy brother. We got it from here.

Trooper Scoff Bowen
NCSHP

November 25, 2023

Trooper Blanton

Time has passed and you are not forgotten. No words can I find to help your family heal from the pain of their loss. You made your family proud, you made the NCSHP proud and you made the Cherokee Nation proud. I think of you often , although we never met. You were taken from us on June, 17th. My Dad's birthday. I think of you both on that date and think of you often. My Mother was a full blooded Cherokee Indian. Thank you for your service and may God watch over your loving family .
G-540 is 10-42, but never forgotten.

Jack A. Wise, Jr. Master Trooper (875)
Virginia State Police ( Retired )

September 19, 2023

15 years. Where did it go. R.I.P. sir

Michael Roberts
Former officer

June 22, 2023

My husband and I just went over ur memorial bridge so I took the time to look you up! This page is really cool and I’m glad I came on it! It’s really neat to read all these reflections! Prayers for ur family!

M.G.x2
Bridge passer

November 1, 2022

I’m praying for your family and coworkers. Thank you for your service. Rest In Peace

Maxine, mother of
Deputy Josh Rutherford EOW 5/29/03

June 18, 2022

Trooper David S. Blanton Jr will never ever be forgotten. May his soul forever rest in peace.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

January 6, 2022

Trooper Blanton’s family will be in my thoughts. This unimaginable tragedy does not overshadow his life and the pride his family must feel for him. Rest easy Trooper. You are not forgotten.

M Wujcik
Passed by Memorial Bridge

July 6, 2021

Reading the bio of Trooper Blanton is a tragedy, especially the passing of his four month old son. I hope his wife the best out of life.

Police Officer Linford Moore
Department of Veterans Affairs

June 17, 2020

As a former law enforcement officer who was spending one of many summers at an RV Park near Asheville when this tragedy occurred, I echo Mr. Masks sentiments.

Investigator (BCI) C.V. Sbardella
New York State Police

January 18, 2020

I live in Australia, I was in Canton NC when this happened and remember seeing your name everywhere, I always check back here every year to read any messages from your amazing family. Hoping life in heaven with Tye is amazing, growing old together, watching the world go on from above. All the best to your family in the USA, I never knew you in life but you’ll never be forgotten in death mate.

Australian Police Dispatcher Justin Mask
Victoria Police

December 15, 2019

Rest in peace.

Lt. Jim Russo

June 18, 2019

RIP ❤️❤️❤️

Nikki
Praying for you

June 18, 2019

It’s so hard to believe that 11 years ago our world was turned upside down. There’s not a day goes by we don’t wish you were still with us. Love and miss you son.

Dave Grant
Father inlaw

June 17, 2019

It’s so hard to believe that 11 years ago our world was turned upside down. There’s not a day goes by we don’t wish you were still with us. Love and miss you son.

Dave Grant
Father inlaw

June 17, 2019

the scum is still alive and relaxing in prison. Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord, I will repay.

Lt. B. Rawlings
CMPD

April 20, 2019

Trooper David Shawn Blanton Jr. will never ever be forgotten. May both his soul and Tye's soul forever Rest In Peace.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired.
New York State Police

October 17, 2018

Just looking at your site again. We drive by that lone stretch of Highway and just think what if we drove by that night. I know you and Tye are laughing and playing. I again am so sorry. May God watch over your family and comfort them. My respect Trooper.

State Trooper D Osborne
Tennessee Highway Patrol

April 28, 2017

To my son, Shawn your murderer left the darkest hole in my life. I try my best everyday to go on with my life because that is what I know that you would want me to do. I go on because you would want me to take care of your brothers. I MISS you so much an life is so empty without you.

It will be 9 years an yet it seems like yesterday that you were taken from us. It hasn't gotten easier!!!!

I'm glad you are in a better place an have our "Little Man" Tye with you, even tho I wish he was still here with us, so I would still have a part of you with me.

Icould go on forever but I will stop

I LOVE AN MISS YOU SON!!!!
You an little Tye will always be in my heart.

Love you both,
Mom

Jeanell Youngbird
Mother

January 30, 2017

May you continue to Rest In Peace brother. I'm honored to be your cousin and to call you a brother in blue. You're forever remembered.

Police Officer II Justin Baxley
Archdale Police Department

January 8, 2017

Peace brother. Its disgusting we are having to support that parasite the rest of his life

Retired James Dunbar
Sc shp

June 17, 2016

Trooper David Shawn Blanton was the most respectable man I've ever met not only that he was my big cousin and I will always keep him in my heart.

Cassie Bradley
cousin

September 4, 2015

Im so glad that I can remember you for your dedication to law enforcement,your my inspiration of what law enforcement is an should be. Thank you trooper Blanton for your service , I think of you all the time ,Im sure we will all miss you forever. Danger is always there , but it never ceases to amaze me that the heroism you had an I think I have the same because of you.

Deputy E. Cummings
Robeson County Sheriff's Office

July 10, 2015