Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Wallace Lawson was shot and killed after responding to a disorderly person call at a cafe. The suspect began to argue with Patrolman Lawson when the officer entered the cafe shortly after the suspect had caused a disturbance and attacked a waiter. The suspect then walked across the street and began cursing Patrolman Lawson. When Patrolman Lawson started towards the suspect, the suspect ran home and obtained a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with slugs. As Patrolman Lawson went onto the house's front porch, the suspect came out of the back of the house and ran around the side. He fired twice at Patrolman Lawson. The first shot was deflected by Patrolman Lawson's duty belt. The second shot hit Patrolman Lawson in the chest. He died moments after being shot. The suspect fled, going to Kansas City. He was arrested without incident the next day after returning to Jefferson City. Two months later, he was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to five years of hard labor.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MO-2FF0A350- 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.
Patrolman Lawson served with the Jefferson City Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Jefferson City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Lawson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Wallace Lawson 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 MO, 516 of 813 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.5% of this state's fallen. That is 9.3 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Jefferson City Police Department, 1 of 2 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. Wallace Lawson's cause is highlighted.
How Wallace Lawson Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 5 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Wallace Lawson is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Wallace Lawson was killed by shotgun; 12 gauge.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Jefferson City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
