Maurice Clemmons was born on February 6, 1972, in Arkansas and grew up in a working-class family. He spent his early years in Marianna before moving to Little Rock during his teenage years. Clemmons exhibited violent tendencies early on, facing arrest in high school for carrying a gun on school grounds. At age 17, he committed armed robbery and burglary, leading to a series of felony convictions that resulted in a 108-year prison sentence.

While incarcerated, Clemmons engaged in repeated violent incidents, including attempts to assault court officers and prison staff. In 1999, after serving 10 years, he successfully petitioned Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for clemency. Huckabee reduced his sentence to 47 years, making him immediately eligible for parole. The Arkansas Parole Board unanimously approved his release in 2000.

Despite this second chance, Clemmons continued his criminal behavior. Less than a year after his release, he committed another armed robbery and theft, serving more prison time before being paroled again in 2004. He later moved to Washington State, where he married, started a small business, and purchased multiple homes.

By 2009, Clemmons’ behavior became increasingly erratic. In May, he assaulted two sheriff’s deputies and was arrested for second-degree child rape. He displayed signs of severe mental instability, claiming divine visions and believing he was on a mission from God. Despite this, he was released from jail a week before the Lakewood police murders after posting bail.

On the morning of November 29, 2009, Maurice Clemmons walked into a Forza Coffee Shop in Parkland, Washington, where four uniformed Lakewood police officers—Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Ronald Owens, and Officer Greg Richards—were seated preparing for their shifts. Without warning, Clemmons opened fire with a Glock 17 pistol, fatally shooting all four officers in what authorities described as a deliberate ambush targeting law enforcement.

Two officers were shot instantly, while Officer Greg Richards managed to return fire, wounding Clemmons in the abdomen before succumbing to his own injuries. Clemmons stole Richards’ service weapon and fled the scene with the help of accomplices.

The attack was the deadliest incident involving law enforcement officers in Washington State history and, at the time, the most lethal single-gunman attack on police officers in U.S. history.

A massive two-day manhunt ensued. Police tracked Clemmons through multiple locations across Pierce and King counties. He received aid from several friends and family members, who provided transportation, medical help for his gunshot wound, and attempts to hide him from authorities.

In the early hours of December 1, 2009, Seattle police officer Benjamin L. Kelly encountered Clemmons near a stolen vehicle in the Rainier Valley neighborhood. When ordered to stop, Clemmons reached toward his waistband, prompting Officer Kelly to open fire, killing him on the spot. Clemmons was armed with a handgun belonging to one of the slain Lakewood officers.

In the wake of the shooting, multiple individuals were arrested and charged with assisting Clemmons before and after the murders. Several convictions were later overturned due to prosecutorial misconduct, though some accomplices served time. In 2023, Darcus Allen—the alleged getaway driver—pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit second-degree murder after multiple mistrials and appeals and was released for time served.

The killings had significant political fallout, drawing widespread criticism toward former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee for commuting Clemmons’ prison sentence. The case also sparked nationwide debate about parole decisions and public safety risks from early release of violent offenders.

The Lakewood Police Department honored the four fallen officers with a massive public memorial service, attended by thousands of law enforcement officers from across North America.