Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I still remember watching this story on TV around 1994 or 1995 as the two killers legal process was being chronicled. I remember then, somewhat of a recent college graduate still a few years of starting my own law enforcement career but every bit as eager and ambitious to get started, feeling the sheer anger at the nonchalant and carefree attitude of these people as they spoke on TV about how they were being wronged for being arrested for taking a LEO’s life and the Officer was the one who was wrong. I’m not sure how common or known the title of “Sovereign Citizen” was then, and I know I was not familiar with it but the sense of entitlement, nonchalant attitude and the disregard for life and laws was absolutely shocking and downright infuriating. Fast forward to today and it’s even worse, with cops being painted as evil thugs and bad people being glamorized and labeled victims. I was only glad to see that the system didn’t fail here and justice was carried out.

Sgt. Motley, rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

October 4, 2020

Officer Motley was a hero and is yet today reflecting on his bravery. Justice was served to the murderous psychopaths. I watch the episode on I.D.

Robin Smith
Citizen

March 4, 2020

Roger, it has been 25 years today since that terrible day. You were and always will be a true American hero.

So much has changed since then my brother. One thing that has not is your selfless act of bravery to help a child in distress.


God bless you. I think of the times we hung out with the rest of the guys and it was always fun.

You are safe in Jesus arms. We have the watch.


You are

Gordon H. Hurley FBI Special Agent (Retd
FBI - Opelika (1987-1991)

October 4, 2018

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 20th anniversary year of your death. I am privileged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. 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. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all that call you beloved and your family is in my heart's embrace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

September 12, 2013

Dear papa Roger,
I never got to meet you but from what all I have heard, I'm sure you and I would have gotten along real well. I just watched a tribute video of you that I found and it is crazy to me of how many people looked up to you. I wish that I could talk to someone about the Braves. I watch them play every single one of their games and no one else does. You and I could talk aboutn the Braves for hours on in. I am pretty sure we are the Braves biggest supporters!
I love you so much
& go Braves!

Justin Scott Perkins
Grandchild

July 8, 2013

I saw the news story on "Bio" this evening about your father, Sergeant Motley. Such a sad and needless ending for such a good and decent man.

I will light a candle tonight for your dad.. along with my dad and sister (also needlessly murdered).

I am so very sorry for your loss.

Just a citizen
none

October 29, 2012

19 years ago today is a day that shaped who I am! It’s a day that shaped and changed the lives of so many. It’s a day I will always remember. It’s a day that some see as just another day not knowing how things might have been. I look at this day in many different ways. I know it made me stronger, smarter, a better man, and a better father. Reading that you may think wow what a wonderful day that must have been but most lives are shaped by tragedy and this story is no different. However, on this date every year I wonder about my life and one of the biggest things is who would I be if that day had not happened? What would I be? Where would I be? Would I have joined the Army? Would I have moved from Alabama? It took 11 years and 10 months to see this chapter of my life end but I’m not sure it ever ended because no one knows how life would have been if that day had not happened. Each year on this day I reflect on the past years and share some thoughts. Final justice was served but it took almost 12 years. My father and hero too many was taken from this world 19 years ago today. Final JUSTICE served (05-10-02 & 08-04-05). Rest in Peace Roger Motley, Father, Husband, Police Office, and HERO’s whose life was taken protecting the life of a young child.

Jason Perkins
SON

October 4, 2012

Dear Roger you are so missed by all. You were taken from us during my 22 years at Opelika Police Department while I was in dispatch. I still speak of you often and remember you very fondly. You were such a good man and we were all lucky to have known you. Thank you for Serving and Protecting us on October 4, 1993.

Pamela
Russell Co Sheriffs Office

September 1, 2012

I was just born when u left us to be with God, and never got to experiance you in my life, i have heard so many great things about you and i hear about you everyday, you were a very brave man and daddy followed in your foot steps and so am i here soon i will be going to police acadamy, you are my hero sir i love you and ill see you soon!!

pandora motley
cousin

November 6, 2011

i never forget this day. i think of u so often. i miss the cookouts we had in the past, all the volley ball in the back yard.and never,never forget what u drank beer out of, at one of my cookouts at my house! and also, you always called juanita your bride.what a sweetheart of a man you were,and i also know you would be so very proud of how scott,doug and michael have turned out to be very respectful young gentleman.

veonica decker
very good friend

October 4, 2011

PawPaw roger you truley are a hero. I look up to you and I used to not understand and now that I do its very upsetting, but for you to take your life trying to help someone you didnt know, that truley takes an amazing person. I think about you a lot and often wonder what I would have become if you were still here today. If things would be completely different. I still do things up to you. Anytime I accomplish something I think, man would he be proud. Like my graduation, I really wish you were there cheering me on. I hope youre impressed by the girl I have become. I love you with all my heart and the day we meet again I want to go fishing. Youre forever missed & never forgotten. thankyou pawpaw roger.

Ashley Perkins
grand daughter

August 19, 2011

I am so pleased with all of the comments on this site. Roger was a great man. His children are all doing well. They have worked through all of the emotions and problems that came with this situation. He has 4 grandchildren and 2 step grandchildren and they all know who Papa Roger is. I have made a shadow box for all of the grandchildren containing some of Roger's personal belongings, and they cherish them.

Roger, you are my hero. Without you in my life, I would have been lost. Love you and know that we will see each other again one day. I often think of Exit Five ha ha ha (a personal joke that only you would get). Love You.

Special thanks to everyone for their kind comments whether you knew him or not. God Bless each of you and may God keep you safe in whatever you do..

Juanita Motley
Wife

August 17, 2011

Thinking of you and all of your loved ones today. I am glad that justice was swift in your case. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Thank you for your dedicated service to others. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 4, 2010

still on my mind....you tried to explain years ago and i didn't understand....now i do!!!!!!!!!!

SGT TEDDIE RAE MOTLEY
COVINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT

May 12, 2010

May our Lord continue to give comfort and support to Sergeant Motleys family and fellow officers.

God bless.

Sergeant Kevin Turley
City of Heflin Police Department (Alabama)

January 24, 2010

Sergeant I just watch an A&E American Justice episode that told about your killers. I was angered at that Lyon would say she was not a bad person nor was she guilty of anything other than self defense. I was glad to hear she was executed along with her husband. You are a hero for serving.

Never will we forget, always we will honor.

Anonymous

May 20, 2009

Roger, time never heals a lost such are you. I sometimes think of you around the time of your death. I know where you are and I can find comfort knowing that you are at peace! May GOD continue to bless your family.

8915 Citizen Employee
Co-worker

July 6, 2008

May God bless and protect your family now and always. Thank you for your service to everyone in Opelika. I was putting gas in my car at the gas station directly in front of the Wal Mart at the exact time this happened. Although I couldn't see what happened, I heard the gunfire and afterwards all of the law enforcement chasing the criminals. I can remember that sad day just like it was yesterday- I was a student at Auburn. You are a brave soul that lives on in our memory forever. Thank you again- you will never be forgotten by the people that you proudly served.

Scott C.
Former resident

May 25, 2008

You are remembered today and thank you Sir for your service.

This writer is pleased that justice in your death was quick and appropriate

vandenberghe
nh

October 14, 2007

It has been 14 years since your EOW and you have not been forgottne by those that love you dearly. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol guarding over the Thin Blue Line. You are a true hero. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

October 4, 2007

Thank you for your bravery, service and sacrifice. You were brutally murdered on my birthday (not year) and from this point forward I will salute you on my birthday. May your family take comfort in the fact that you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

DET SGT, Retired
AR

August 31, 2007

"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

July 23, 2007

Hello brother,though we never met i saw tour story on A&E and it moved me.Your mother is a brave strong woman. Rest in peace brother.

Officer Kevin A Kelly
Elizabeth,N.J. Police

April 24, 2007

I'm still moved when I remember the radio call that day. Most of all, I remember Roger's kindness and compassion.

While we all move on, we never forget!

Rest in peace, my friend.

OPD #9203
Friend of Roger and Juanita

January 31, 2007

Roger, I think of you often. How kind you were, and what a good father you were. You gave me advice when my son was born and were a kind and compassionate man. Rest in peace.

Duane Gaither, ex-OPD badge#8917
Friend

December 1, 2006