Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer MacDonald and Officer Kevin Burrell were shot and killed while making a traffic stop at the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and Dwight Avenue. The subject was a parolee and was in possession of a handgun. The subject was able to break free as the officers attempted to handcuff him. He fired at both officers with another gun he still had concealed on his person. The man was arrested and convicted of two counts of murdering a police officer and received the death penalty. Officer MacDonald had served with the Compton Police Department for 18 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-CA-584904C0- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew James. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
You barely got started.
Officer MacDonald gave the Compton Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Compton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer MacDonald.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Officer James Wayne MacDonald 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 CA, 974 of 1,837 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 53% of this state's fallen. That is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Compton Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Wayne MacDonald's cause is highlighted.
How James Wayne MacDonald Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to death
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Wayne MacDonald is highlighted in Feb.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Wayne MacDonald was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Compton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
