Police Officer Carlton Wayne Sudduth, Livingston University Police Department, Alabama

Police Officer Carlton Wayne Sudduth

Livingston University Police Department, Alabama

End of Watch Saturday, June 21, 1980

Add to My Heroes

Carlton Wayne Sudduth

Officer Carlton Sudduth was shot and killed after making a traffic stop on a road leading onto the university's campus. Officer Sudduth was blocking the road after the nearby robbery of a convenience store. He radioed that he was stopping a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle. No further radio contact was made with Officer Sudduth. He was found on the road suffering from several gunshot wounds to the chest. It is thought that he approached the driver's window and was shot without warning.

The suspect was located a short time later and pursued by members of the Livingston Police Department and Sumter County Sheriff's Office. The suspect wrecked the vehicle after being shot at while attempting to run a roadblock that had been setup by members of the York Police Department. The suspect and a female accomplice were then taken into custody. The man was convicted of Officer Sudduth's murder and sentenced to life in prison. He was denied parole in 2013. He will be eligible for parole again in 2018.

Officer Sudduth had served with the agency for 9 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.

Bio

Age 42
Tour 9 years
Badge Not available

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Sentenced to life

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 18 Reflections

Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons [children] of God.” [Matthew 5:9 ESV]

“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [Isaiah 6:8 ESV]

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV]

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 21, 2025