TABOR CITY — Thousands of people — friends, family, colleagues and regular folks — gathered Sunday for the funeral of a Highway Patrol trooper with strong links to Robeson County who was fatally shot during a traffic stop this past week.
Services for Trooper Kevin Conner, an 11-year veteran of the patrol, took place at South Columbus High School in Tabor City. An outdoor ceremony was held on the school campus in lieu of a public graveside memorial. A private service for family and close friends took place after the funeral.
Included was a large contingent from Robeson County, including Sheriff Ken Sealey.
“There were private citizens from all over North Carolina. There were law enforcement members from all over North Carolina and some from outside the state. Firefighters and first responders were there,” Sealey said. “It was a great ceremony, and a great service.”
Gov. Roy Cooper and the Highway Patrol commander spoke.
“It was impressive,” Sealey said. “It was overwhelming. It was packed. … They opened the gym and it was standing room only.”
“Kevin was a great guy,” Sealey said.
Erich Hackney, an investigator with the Robeson County District Attorney’s office, also attended the funeral.
“I was pleased that the governor was there, and other dignitaries,” Hackney said.
He estimated that more than 4,000 people attended the service, Hackney said. The auditorium overflowed with mourners, as did the gymnasium when it was opened to the crowd. About 2,00o people stood outside the school.
After the service inside was over, the casket, with its flag, was moved outside, Hackney said. A separate service was performed so the people who had waited outside could be part of the last respects for Conner. The outside service included a flyover by Highway Patrol Aviation units.
“He was truly admired and respected by those not only in the law enforcement profession, but by those he came into contact with on a day-to-day basis,” Hackney said.
Conner, who was 38, was a former Lumberton police officer and was taught basic law enforcement by sheriff-elect Burnis Wilkins. He worked for several years out of the Highway Patrol office on Kahn Drive.
Robeson County Sheriff-elect Burnis Wilkins taught Conner basic law enforcement at Robeson Community College.
“He was a very likable guy that had the urge to serve the public, and has been honored previously for his service,” Wilkins said shortly after Conner died. “The senseless murder of such a great public servant is hard to understand but Trooper Conner will forever be remembered for his kindness, his smile and his dedication to serve the citizens of North Carolina.”
Conner stopped a GMC pickup truck at about 12:15 a.m. Wednesday on suspicion of speeding in rural Columbus County. The vehicle was stolen, but Conner did not know that.
The truck’s driver pulled over onto the shoulder and Conner approached the vehicle. The driver of the pickup then fired several shots, striking the trooper.
Conner was treated at the scene by Whiteville Fire Department Medical Responders and Whiteville Rescue. He was taken to Columbus Regional. Bad weather prevented Connor from being flown to New Hanover Regional trauma center. Flight paramedics rode the ambulance to Wilmington with Conner.
The trooper died at New Hanover.
Raheem Cole Dashanell Davis, a 20-year-old of Chadbourn, was later apprehended. He’s charged with first-degree murder.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to Trooper Conner’s family,” Public Safety Secretary Erik A. Hooks said shortly after the shooting. “Trooper Conner was killed while protecting and serving his community. We mourn our loss and will continue to support his family. We are grateful for his service and honor the men and women who serve in harm’s way, each and every day.”
Gov. Cooper issued the following statement soon after the death.
“The tragic loss of Trooper Kevin Conner of the N.C. State Highway Patrol weighs heavily on our hearts,” Cooper said. “We are forever grateful for his devoted service and selfless commitment to protecting the people of North Carolina. Our prayers are with his family and friends and his colleagues in law enforcement.”
