Clayton Wayne Hicks Jr., a 26-year-old Memphis Police Department officer with three years on the force, was shot and killed on November 14, 2000, while off-duty at a friend’s house party. Hicks had recently nearly arrested a woman at the gathering on a domestic violence matter; when he recognized her, a confrontation broke out with her boyfriend. That man produced a handgun, shot Hicks once, and the wound was fatal. Hicks, although armed, did not return fire.

Memphis police arrested two people the same day and charged the shooter in connection with the killing. The shooter was later convicted of reckless homicide and sentenced to 42 months in prison. The case closed legally but left the department and community mourning a promising young officer.

If anyone who attended that party or knew Clayton has information or memories to share, please post or contact investigators.