Patrolman Hugh Richard Griffin, Sr., North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina

Patrolman Hugh Richard Griffin, Sr.

North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina

End of Watch Sunday, September 14, 1975

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Hugh Richard Griffin, Sr.

Patrolman Hugh Griffin was shot and killed when he stopped a vehicle occupied by two men on N.C. 53 six miles east of Burgaw.

Unbeknownst to Patrolman Griffin, the car was stolen, and the suspects had shot and killed a store owner in Wilmington six days earlier. Due to a registration issue with the vehicle, Patrolman Griffin ordered the suspects to follow him to the Highway Patrol station. As he was walking back to his patrol car, the driver shot him in the back.

The man who killed Patrolman Griffin was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. His sentence was later commuted to life in prison. He died in prison on March 9, 2020. The other suspect was convicted of accessory to murder, the murder of the store owner, and sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years.

Patrolman Griffin was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War and served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for 21 years.

Bio

Age 45
Tour 21 years
Badge B-433
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Pistol
Offender Died in prison in 2020

stolen vehicle, traffic stop

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Patrolman Griffin,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Navy. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Fair Winds And Following Seas

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

September 14, 2025