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Suspect Charged in WakeMed ER Killing of Campus Officer as Investigation Continues

The case now moves to a multi-agency evidence review with the wounded suspect held in the hospital.

WakeMed Health & Hospitals in Garner, N.C.
Officer Roger Smith of the Garner Police Department.
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Overview

  • WakeMed campus police officer Roger Smith, 59, was shot after a struggle in the emergency department lobby of the WakeMed Garner Healthplex around 9 a.m. on Nov. 8.
  • Garner police identified the suspect as Benji Martin Jr., 29, and charged him with murder; he was also shot and remains in custody under medical supervision.
  • Authorities said Martin will be transferred to the Wake County Detention Center once he is discharged from the hospital.
  • Garner Police, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Wake County District Attorney’s Office are reviewing evidence, with WakeMed leadership coordinating as standard protocol.
  • Medical personnel called Smith a hero who likely prevented further loss of life; the hospital closed the ED lobby, added counseling for staff and a law-enforcement procession temporarily shut I-440 West.