Funeral for WakeMed Police Officer Roger Smith, killed in shooting, set for next week

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — A funeral will be held Monday for WakeMed Police Officer Roger Smith, who was killed in a shooting last week.

Garner Police Department said Smith, 59, was shot Saturday, Nov. 8, in the lobby of WakeMed Garner Healthplex on U.S. Highway 70.

Benji Martin Jr., 29, is facing murder charges in connection to the officer’s death. Authorities say he was also shot during the altercation and is receiving medical care in custody.

As it is still an active investigation, many details about the circumstances surrounding Officer Smith’s death can’t be released at this time.

Funeral details

Beginning at 10:25 a.m., Glenwood Avenue will be shut down temporarily as law enforcement escort Officer Smith’s casket and his family from Mitchell Funeral Home to Province Church.

At 10:45 a.m., the North Carolina State Highway Patrol’s Caisson Unit carrying the casket will proceed along Glenwood to the church.

The funeral will start at noon inside the church. An interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, next to McLaurin Funeral Home, in Clayton.

The family requests any donations be made through the 200 Club of Wake County, which provides financial assistance to families of law enforcement serving Wake who lost their lives in line of duty. All contributions will go directly to Smith’s family.