Roll of Honor
James Heard
Incident
Policeman James Heard was shot and killed when he and several other policemen were ambushed as they transported a group of men to jail. The men were part of a larger group who were planning an uprising.
The officers and prisoners were walking on Jonesboro Road, near the Clark University campus, towards a streetcar when they were ambushed by the rest of the group. As the officers and suspects exchanged shots, Policeman Heard was killed and several other officers were wounded. Several of the suspects were also killed in the shootout.
In the ensuing investigation, 59 people were charged with murder in connection with Policeman Heard's death. One man was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. The remaining suspects were eventually freed.
Policeman Heard was survived by his wife and several sisters, brothers, and half-siblings. His half-brother, Henry Heard, was shot and killed in the line of duty seventeen years later while serving as an officer with the Dora Police Department in Alabama.
Survivors
Policeman Heard was survived by his wife and several sisters, brothers, and half-siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-GA-25516DBE- 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.
Policeman Heard served with the Fulton County Office of Inspector of Roads and Bridges.
Thank you for your service to the Atlanta community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Heard.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman James Heard 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 GA, 548 of 903 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.7% of this state's fallen. That is 6.5 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Fulton County Office of Inspector of Roads and Bridges, 3 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Heard's cause is highlighted.
How James Heard Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Heard is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Heard was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Fulton County Office of Inspector of Roads and Bridges are honored on badge.nw.
