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Michael Donell Stephenson
Incident
Private Michael Stephenson was shot twice and killed while making an arrest at the Jamestown Elementary School at 3636 Hiers Boulevard in Hephzibah. He had responded to a burglary alarm at the Jamestown Elementary School at 4:30 am. Upon arriving at the scene, he saw a subject walking on the school grounds carrying a backpack. He detained the suspect and placed him in the rear of his cruiser without handcuffing him. To avoid complaints from parents, the Board of Education policy at the time prevented officers from handcuffing students. The suspect had managed to conceal a gun in his hat and, while still seated in the back of the patrol car, opened fire on Private Stephenson as he spoke to a janitor who had responded to the alarm. Despite being wounded twice, Officer Stephenson was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect. The subject fled the scene but was later arrested. He was convicted of Private Stephenson's murder and was subsequently sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. Private Stephenson had served with the Richmond County Board of Education Police Department for two years and had previously served with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two young sons.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Private Stephenson gave the Richmond County Board of Education Public Safety 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the Augusta community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Private Stephenson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Michael is the only officer of Richmond County Board of Education Public Safety remembered here.
Michael is one of 549 officers killed feloniously in GA, 60.7% of the 905 remembered there.
Michael is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Michael is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1997, 2 officers in GA were killed feloniously, the 90th heaviest of 149 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 16.
In 1997, 88 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 71st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1997, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Michael was 29. Of the 481 killed feloniously in GA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 48; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 29. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Michael was 29. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Michael had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 8.6% of these deaths in GA; December holds the most, 10.6%. Wednesdays: 12.4%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Richmond County Board of Education Public Safety. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.7% of all 905 deaths in GA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 49-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Richmond County Board of Education Public Safety are honored on badge.nw.