David Walter Hathcock, a 57-year-old Caucasian male, was a dedicated officer with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina. On September 23, 1997, Corporal Hathcock was fatally shot during a traffic stop on Interstate 95 near Fayetteville. The incident occurred when Sergeant Lloyd Lowry of the North Carolina Highway Patrol initiated a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle. Hathcock arrived to assist and attempted to handcuff the suspects when a fight broke out.
One of the suspects retrieved an AK-47 from the vehicle and opened fire, striking Hathcock multiple times. The other suspect then used Sergeant Lowry's weapon to shoot Hathcock and Lowry at close range before fleeing the scene.
The suspects, 17-year-old Kevin Golphin and 19-year-old Tilmon Golphin, were later apprehended after a high-speed chase. Both were convicted of capital murder, armed robbery, possession of a stolen car, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. Initially sentenced to death, Kevin Golphin's sentence was commuted to life imprisonment due to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against executing juveniles. Tilmon Golphin's death sentence was also commuted to life imprisonment in 2020 due to concerns of racial bias.
Corporal Hathcock, who had served with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office for 18 years, is remembered for his dedication and bravery. He is survived by his wife and children, who continue to honor his memory. The tragic loss of Hathcock and Lowry deeply affected the Fayetteville community, leading to large memorial services and the naming of a bridge in their honor.
The case remains a poignant reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face and the impact such losses have on their families and communities.
