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Incident
Officer MacDonald and Officer Kevin Burrell were shot and killed while making a traffic stop at the intersection of Rosecrans Avenue and Dwight Avenue. The subject was a parolee and was in possession of a handgun. The subject was able to break free as the officers attempted to handcuff him. He fired at both officers with another gun he still had concealed on his person. The man was arrested and convicted of two counts of murdering a police officer and received the death penalty. Officer MacDonald had served with the Compton Police Department for 18 months.
Survivors
He was survived by his parents and brother.
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
You barely got started.
Officer MacDonald gave the Compton Police Department 1 year.
Thank you for your service to the Compton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Officer MacDonald.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Compton Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 974 officers killed feloniously in CA, 53% of the 1,839 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1993, 9 officers in CA were killed feloniously, the 25th heaviest of 163 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 24.
In 1993, 101 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 51st heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1993, 110 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 53rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James was 24. Of the 905 killed feloniously in CA whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 43; the middle age was 35. James had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 24. 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. James had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 24. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. James had served 1.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
February holds 8.6% of these deaths in CA; October holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 12.9%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.8%.
February holds 7.4% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Mondays: 13.8%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Compton Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 53% of all 1,839 deaths in CA, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.6% 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 gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Compton Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Compton Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
