Autopsy Reveals WakeMed Officer Killed After Suspect Wrestled Away His Gun

29-year-old Benji Martin charged with murder of officer Roger Smith in November 2025 incident

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:34am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police officer's badge or handcuffs, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The tragic shooting of a WakeMed police officer exposes the risks and challenges hospital security personnel can face when dealing with unstable individuals.Today in Raleigh

According to an autopsy report, 29-year-old Benji Martin, who is charged with the murder of WakeMed police officer Roger Smith, was able to wrestle Smith's gun away from him before shooting the officer twice, leading to his death less than an hour later.

Why it matters

The tragic incident at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex facility has raised concerns about hospital security and the challenges officers can face when dealing with potentially unstable individuals, especially those who may be under the influence of substances.

The details

The autopsy confirmed that Smith was shot twice - in the shoulder and right thigh - after Martin was able to take the officer's gun during an altercation. Smith went into cardiac arrest and died less than an hour after the shooting. Authorities are investigating whether Martin had taken THC gummies prior to the incident, as his friends reported he was "acting erratically" the night before.

  • The incident occurred on November 9, 2025.
  • The autopsy report was released on April 15, 2026.

The players

Benji Martin

A 29-year-old man charged with the murder of WakeMed police officer Roger Smith.

Roger Smith

A 59-year-old police officer who worked at the WakeMed Garner Healthplex facility and was killed in the November 2025 incident.

North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

The state agency that conducted the autopsy report on Roger Smith.

Garner Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the shooting, along with the Raleigh Police Department.

Raleigh Police Department

The other law enforcement agency investigating the shooting, along with the Garner Police Department.

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What’s next

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) could potentially take over the investigation from the local police departments.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the risks and challenges that hospital security officers can face, especially when dealing with individuals who may be under the influence of substances. It raises important questions about hospital security protocols and the need for specialized training to de-escalate volatile situations.