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Incident
Sergeant Spears was shot and killed by a man while responding to a domestic disturbance call involving the man and his wife. During a struggle with the suspect he managed to take Sergeant service revolver from him and shot him. On April 6, 1976 the male suspect, 47, was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. On April 17, 1979, a new trial was ordered but he was allowed to plead guilty of manslaughter before the trial began, and sentenced to 20 years.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Spears gave the McComb Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the McComb community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Spears.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
McComb Police Department has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 243 officers killed feloniously in MS, 69.4% of the 350 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 1976, 3 officers in MS were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1981, with 6.
In 1976, 137 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 30th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1976, 162 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 26th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 39. Of the 222 killed feloniously in MS whose age is recorded, half were between 33 and 53; the middle age was 41. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6.5 years.
John was 39. 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. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 39. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.5% of these deaths in MS; December holds the most, 12.3%. Fridays: 14%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Fridays: 14.3%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Fridays: 14.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at McComb Police Department. The weapon recorded was officer's weapon, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.4% of all 350 deaths in MS, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's weapon, in 0.8% 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 officer's weapon, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was officer's weapon, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
McComb Police Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from McComb Police Department are honored on badge.nw.