CMPD remembers Clark, Shelton as 10-year anniversary of deaths approaches

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department will mark a solemn anniversary on Saturday, when two of their brothers in blue were shot and killed in the line of duty 10 years ago.

Officers Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton responded to a disturbance call March 31, 2007, at the Timber Ridge Apartments in east Charlotte.

SLIDESHOWS:

• 2 CMPD officers shot in the line of duty (4/1/07)
• Poignant images of rememebrance (4/507)
• IMAGES: Trees planted to honor slain officers
• Mourners gather to remember Officer Sean Clark (4/4/07)
• Officer Jeff Shelton remembered at service (4/6/07) 

Demeatrius Montgomery shot the two officers in the head around 11:15 p.m. as they were walking away in the apartment complex parking lot. Montgomery had nothing to do with the disturbance call and has never said why he pulled the trigger. Clark and Shelton both died on April 1, 2007.

(Demeatrius Montgomery)

Capt. Michelle Hummel received the call that night.

"They were both prior military, served their country and they were serving their community and they died doing what they loved," Hummel said.

Around almost every turn in CMPD's North Tryon Division, there's a reminder of Clark and Shelton. They had close friends in the police department.

Officer Yvette McNeill worked with Shelton and both shared birthdays in the same month.

"There's been times I broke down and it's just been hard, especially around our birthdays it affects me every year," McNeill said.

Lt. Mike Abbondanza knew both Clark and Shelton, and can't believe 10 years have passed. He said he misses the men he loved working with.

"Good at the job, good at being police officers and great family men too," Abbondanza said.

But as their memories live on, their deaths will always be the painful reminder of the ultimate sacrifice some officers pay.

"We definitely never forget, We try every day to remember and continue their legacy in their honor," Hummel said.

Montgomery was found guilty of killing Clark and Shelton in September 2010 and was sentenced to life in prison. He’s currently at the Albemarle Correctional Institution in Stanly County.

CMPD is planning a more formal memorial for the two officers on Friday.

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