Officer Ronnie E. McGraw, Mecklenburg County Police Department, North Carolina

Officer Ronnie E. McGraw

Mecklenburg County Police Department, North Carolina

End of Watch Sunday, October 18, 1970

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Ronnie E. McGraw

Officer Ronnie McGraw was shot and killed as he and other officers raided a gambling house on East Fourth Street at 1:45 am.

He was shot in the chest and back as he led his officers into the home. Over $42,000 in cash, a shotgun, and eight handguns were confiscated in the house, and 17 suspects were arrested.

Only one suspect was charged with Officer McGraw's murder. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 27 years in prison on May 9, 1971. On August 30, 1972, he was granted a new trial because a judge ruled that the raid was conducted with an invalid search warrant. The suspect was acquitted at his new trial on January 9, 1973.

Officer McGraw was a United States Air Force veteran and had served with the Mecklenburg County Police Department for three years. He was survived by his wife and daughter.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 3 years
Badge 31
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Apprehended

gambling

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Most Recent Reflection

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I was in class with Ronnie at UNC Charlotte when he lost his life. After college I worked as a Deputy, Detective,Sergeant and Lieutenant at the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office.l left the Sheriff’s Office to teach Criminal Justice for 30 years at Davidson County Community College. Then top an appointment as the Sheriff of Davison County NC for 14 years. Literally at least two thousand and probably more learned about Ronnie’s death and the courts reaction all the while learning what could have been done better. Ronnie you did not die in vain your murder probably has saved the lives of many who came after you. RIP

Sheriff
Davidson County NC Sheriff’s Office

December 26, 2024