Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Kerry Marston was convicted of shooting Detective Charles Edward Harris six times as he answered his door at his home in Hoke County in retaliation for his investigative drug work. Marston filed many appeals over the last several years and won two on technical issues.

Due to one of the appeals, Marston had a re-sentencing hearing in May, 2011. This resentencing was necessary because the appeals court ruled he was sentenced on aggravating circumstances without direct evidence being presented. The Southern Pines Police Department as well as law enforcement officers from throughout Moore and Hoke Counties filled the courtroom in support of Ed’s widow, Judy, and to make sure justice was served.

Judge Ellis, the judge who presided over the original trial in 1992, also presided over this hearing. There was about three hours of testimony including presentations by the prosecution and defense regarding what would be a “mitigating factor” and what would be an “aggravating factor”. The defendant testified, which is the first time he has ever done so in this case.

It seemed that the prosecutor and judge took great steps to ensure all procedural steps were followed so that another appeal would not be successful. The prosecutor was well-prepared and presented his case clearly. At the conclusion of the hearing, the judge resentenced the defendant to 30 years on one count, 20 years on the second and 10 years on the third, all to run consecutively after the life sentence for murder was satisfied. This is the same sentence handed down originally.

As expected, Marston appealed again. In July of 2012, the North Carolina Court of Appeals UPHELD the conviction and sentencing of Mr. Marston as a result of the hearing in May of 2011. It would appear that this 20+ year old case is finally over and justice has been served regarding this defendant.

Please visit our website memorial page to read more about Detective Harris and the other officers that gave their lives in service to the Southern Pines community.

Chief John Letteney
Southern Pines (NC) Police Department

September 18, 2012

Thank you Detective Harris for paying the ultimate sacrifice for the fine folks in Southern Pines, NC. You are a true AMERICAN HERO !!!!

My thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family, friends and co-workers. May you forever, rest in peace, my brother.

HEROES NEVER DIE......

Sgt. Mitch Cheselka (Retired)
Orange County Sheriff, California
Polk County Sheriff, Oregon

September 18, 2012

In 1991 I was just getting into law enforcement and heard of this case while in rookie school please send a letter so justice still can be served

Capt. CS Melton retired
Ranlo police ,ranlo nc

September 18, 2012

A different Country, a different world, near on a life time ago. You are never forgotten brave Warrior. May your soul remain in peace. May your loved ones remain strong. May the vermin who did this foul gutless act remain behind bars till they meet with the devil himself.

Senior Constable
South Australia Police

September 17, 2012

I pray for peace for your friends and Family, Brother of the Badge, My letter will go out today and I hope this animal Cop Killer never see's freedom and never has any serenity.
Thank You for your service, Sir.

Retired Police Officer Bob Reed
South Lake Tahoe Police Department

September 17, 2012

God Bless

Dave
None

September 17, 2012

His story absolutly sickens me. RIP Sir. I hope his killer rots in prison.

T. Boiarski - Patrolman

September 17, 2012

I met Ed in the late 70's. I was the wide eyed young rookie who hung on every word the seasoned veteran NARC spoke. I later worked narcotics at three different agencies. I never forgot the lessons I learned from the master. I was working with him only hours before he ended his last tour. I will never forget him or what he taught me.

Now I’m the old veteran nearing the end of my career. You would be proud of me Ed. I’ve done my best to pass on what you taught me. You have gone, but we will never let you be forgotten.

Deputy Mark Caskey
Hoke County Sheriff's Office

January 11, 2012

Recently we memorialized the tenth anniversary of the heroes of 9/11. At the memorial ceremony we unveiled a beautiful monument bearing the name: Charles Edward Harris end of watch April 4, 1991, what an aweful day we remember.

You, Ed, would be so proud. We miss you and look forward to our meeting again.
What a great partner in law enforcement you were.
Rest in peace my brother of peace.
Your former partner.

Captain Carol Wright
Southern Pines Police Department

September 14, 2011

Ed,
I was in my teenage years when I remember your service with the Hoke County Sheriffs Office. I lived 1/2 block from the Hoke County Jail. I aspired to be in law enforcement. I made friends with several of the guys with whom you worked. I started the basic law enforcement course the month after April 1991. I remember being at home one evening and listening to my scanner. I overheard someone from the jail yelling that there had been an escape. I grabbed my gun and ran down the street. I learned that the escapees were your killers. I think all nine escaped. We rounded up their butts in short order. I think back now about when I used to run around my block trying to get in shape just so I could be considered for law enforcement. I used to see you in your unmarked Ford while I was running. It was inspirational. I think that I would run faster when you would pass by. Those are the memories and small things that make ordinary kids want to become law enforcement officers. I am a Trooper now with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. I hope that I never take my time on this earth for granted. This memorial to you makes all of us think....... outloud. And that's a good thing. What can we do buddy? Look and learn is all. Rest in Peace my man.

Trooper
North Carolina Highway Patrol

September 28, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the eighteenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service to my home state and the birthplace of my son. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. You and your family were confronted with every officer's worst nightmare. I hope you and your family received the full measure of justice for this event.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 4, 2009

Rest in peace brother and thank you for you service.

Gordon Hobbs
NC Game Warden

March 17, 2009

Ed,

I began my tour of duty with SPPD in early October of this year, and have seen many young officers walk by your memorial in the lobby of the PD, all have read about your heroism and devotion to duty, but they have not read of their captain's involvement with your service. Carol's doing very well, she was promoted to lieutenant four years after your death, then in 2004 she was promoted to captain, the first ever in Southern Pines' history. We all miss you man, my mother very rarely will speak of you, but when she does she always speaks very highly of you. I mean c'mon she couldn't say anything bad right? she was your partner for good sake! I have in my short term had many dealings with people from the area your attackers were from...I won't name the development...but when they see my nametag man....they ask about you....your wife stops by the PD every now and again, though I haven't seen her in awhile I've heard she's doing okay. Honestly Ed I posted to say that it's hard looking at your memorial, because it reminds me of what can happen to me...I stop by every now and again, and I will continue to update the memorial with updates from around the department, oh yeah Klingenschmidt finally retired! who woulda thunk it eh? Anyway, I just stopped by to say that you're still in our hearts, and minds.

J.M. McCarn II

Southern Pines PD
North Carolina

EXP. J. M. McCARN
Southern Pines Police Department NC

December 3, 2008

Ed, you were a member and friend to NCNARC, you lost your life doing what we narc's do. You served well, and you are remembered and missed. Rest in peace My Friend!!

Tony Keller Lt. Retired

July 18, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

Pat Van Den Berghe
MANCHESTER, NH

April 9, 2008

Than You for having served the Carolina Community.

Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD

April 4, 2008

THE THIN BLUE LINE

We walk a thin line of blue everyday
And from this line we shall never stray
But should I fall from this thin blue line
Do not weep, do not cry
Do not stand by my grave and weep I am not there I don't sleep

For I am a thousand winds that blow
And the diamounds glisten in the snow
I am the ripened grain
I am the cool spring rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the cool uplifting rush
Of beautiful birds in circled flight
I am the stars that shine at night

I walk a thin blue line each day
And from this line I shall not stray
But should I fall from the thin blue line
Do not weep, Do not cry
Do not stand by my grave to cry
I am not there I did not die


"Your memory shall live on in our hearts forever, Ed we will never forget."

John McCarn
Son of Ed's Partner

March 24, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

December 27, 2007

IT IS WITH GREAT REMORSE THAT I VIEW THIS. ANOTHER OF OUR HEROS GONE, IN YET ANOTHER SENSLESS ACT. KNOW THIS MY BROTHER WE WILL CONTINUE THE FIGHT THAT YOU HAVE FOUGHT. GOD SPEED MY FRIEND, MY BLESSINGS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

POII, T.G. VINCENT
ASHEBORO PD

October 11, 2005

Although I had known you only for a few years, your death hit all of us hard in the Narcotics units around the state. We miss you and wish you well on your new journey.

Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, Retired

December 11, 2004

I, too, stop by this website daily after having lost one of my agency's own. This one brought chills to my spine and also angered me. I cannot imagine the horror.

Rest in peace, Detective Harris.

September 2, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004

This is every officers worst nightmare. God bless you and your family.

Anonymous