Patrolman Thomas B. Whatley, North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina

Patrolman Thomas B. Whatley

North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina

End of Watch Monday, December 29, 1947

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Thomas B. Whatley

Patrolman Thomas Whatley succumbed to gunshot wounds received the previous evening while he and the Graham County Sheriff attempted to serve a restraining order at a home near Robbinsville.

As the officers stepped onto the front porch the suspect opened fire with a rifle, striking Patrolman Whatley in the abdomen. Patrolman Whatley was taken to District Hospital in Andrews, North Carolina, where he succumbed to his wound.

The killer was apprehended a short time later and convicted of Patrolman Whatley's murder. He was released after serving 17 years.

Patrolman Whatley was a WWII veteran and had served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol for four months. He was survived by his parents.

Bio

Age 25
Tour 4 months
Badge Not available
Military Veteran

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Incident Date Sunday, December 28, 1947
Weapon Rifle; .30-.30
Offender Served 17 years

warrant service

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Patrolman Whatley,
On today, the 75th 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 during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

December 29, 2022