Chief of Police Walter Brannon Braswell

Walter 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.