Roll of Honor
Incident
Lake Ranger Darrell James was shot and killed after responding to shots being fired in the northern part of the lake. Ranger James drove to the area where the shots were being fired and made his last radio transmission indicating he was making contact with a brown and white van with the word "security" on it. His body was found a short time later. His killer was apprehended, convicted of murder, and subsequently sentenced to life in prison. He was denied parole in April 2012. Officer James was a U.S. Army veteran and had served as a Lake Ranger for only four months.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-OK-A209FB5E- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Lake Ranger James served with the Duncan Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Duncan community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Darrell Elven James served in the Army (1971â1980) before joining law enforcement.
Lake Ranger Darrell Elven James 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 OK, 403 of 582 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.2% of this state's fallen. That is 15 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Duncan Police Department, 2 of 2 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. Darrell Elven James's cause is highlighted.
How Darrell Elven James Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to life in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Darrell Elven James is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Darrell Elven James was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Duncan Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
