Patrolman Walter J. Rouse, Goldsboro Police Department, North Carolina

Patrolman Walter J. Rouse

Goldsboro Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Tuesday, February 27, 1968

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Walter J. Rouse

Patrolman Rouse was shot and killed when he and his partner stopped a vehicle following an armed robbery at the Goldsboro Holliday Inn. One of three suspects opened fire during the stop, mortally wounding Patrolman Rouse, and seriously wounding his partner. The suspects were arrested the next day.

The shooter was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison July 30, 1968. He was paroled November 24, 1981.

Patrolman Rouse had been with the agency for only 15 months.

Bio

Age 26
Tour 1 year, 3 months
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Shotgun
Offender Paroled in 1981

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I remember the night Officer Rouse and his partner were shot. I was 8 years old living in Tampa Florida where my dad was a Marine. We got the call that my dad’s brother, David had been shot in the stomach and his partner had been killed. Needless to say my mom and dad packed us all up and we drove all night from Tampa to Goldsboro. I’ve never heard the accounts of that night until now. Officer Rouse was way too young to loose his life. David was devastated to have lost his partner. What a terrible night. God Bless

Mary Welch
Partners neice

November 29, 2025