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Incident
Lieutenant James Lance was shot and killed at approximately 1:30 am after stopping a car on Goodman Road that matched the description of one used in several armed robberies in Memphis, Tennessee. As he was handcuffing the male passenger, the female driver exited the vehicle and opened fire on him, striking him several times. He was able to return fire but did not strike the shooter. The suspects were later apprehended and convicted of his murder. The male was sentenced to 20 years in prison as a habitual offender. The shooter was sentenced to death, but the sentence was overturned, and she was given life in prison. She was paroled in 2021 and died in 2025. Lieutenant Lance had served with the Southaven Police Department and previously served with the Senatobia Police Department. He was survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, and his mother. His oldest son also pursued a career in law enforcement, serving as the Sheriff of the Tate County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, and his mother.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Lieutenant Lance gave the Southaven Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Southaven community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Lance.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Southaven Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
James is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1988, 3 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1988, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1988, 105 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 58th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 40. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
James was 40. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 40. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
October holds 6.6% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Fridays: 14%.
October holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
October holds 7.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Southaven Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 16% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
What is kept
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