Roll of Honor
Incident
Police Officer Christopher Russell was shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery call at a bar on the 1800 block of North Roman Street at 3:30 am.
As he arrived on the scene, three suspects were running from the bar and opened fire on the officers before they even exited their patrol car, striking Officer Russell in the head. Officer Russell was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
One of the suspects was apprehended a short time later and charged with murder, attempted murder, and 16 counts of armed robbery. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on July 27th, 2004. The three remaining suspects were apprehended within two days and are awaiting trial.
Officer Russell was assigned to the 5th District and had served with the New Orleans Police Department for five years. He was survived by his expectant wife, 13-month-old daughter, parents, and a sister. His wife gave birth to his son in February 2003.
Survivors
He was survived by his expectant wife, 13-month-old daughter, parents, and a sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-LA-CB0CBB5A- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Police Officer Russell gave the New Orleans Police Department 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the New Orleans community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Russell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Police Officer Christopher Wayne Russell is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In LA, 364 of 595 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.2% of this state's fallen. That is 7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At New Orleans Police Department, 86 of 128 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 67.2% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Christopher Wayne Russell's cause is highlighted.
How Christopher Wayne Russell Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Christopher Wayne Russell is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Christopher Wayne Russell was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
127 officers from New Orleans Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
