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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
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Jefferson City Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them killed feloniously.
Wallace is one of 527 officers killed feloniously in MO, 63.6% of the 829 remembered there.
Wallace is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Wallace is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1934, 11 officers in MO were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 146 years on record. The heaviest was 1920, with 16.
In 1934, 178 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1934, 179 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 21st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Wallace was 56. Of the 477 killed feloniously in MO whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 48; the middle age was 39.
Wallace was 56. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Wallace was 56. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 9.7% of these deaths in MO; December holds the most, 11%. Mondays: 14.6%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Jefferson City Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.6% of all 829 deaths in MO, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 5.7% 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 shotgun, in 7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was shotgun, in 6.3% of these deaths.
His people
Jefferson City Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Wallace among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 5-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Jefferson City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.