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Incident
Sergeant Wayne Russell and Officer Anthony Mims were shot and killed when they were ambushed while responding to a call.
The suspect, who was intoxicated and had a history of mental illness, had called the police at approximately 12:45 p.m. and asked to speak with FBI agents. The suspect then called back minutes later and asked for the police if there were no FBI agents available. When the officers arrived at the scene, they were ambushed and shot several times.
The suspect opened fire on Officer Mims when he arrived at the scene, shooting him several times through the windshield of his patrol car. Sergeant Russell then arrived at the scene and was shot as he attempted to exit his patrol car. Sergeant Russell was flown to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds a short time later.
The suspect surrendered at the scene and was taken into custody. He was charged with six counts of capital murder. On July 26th, 2007, he pleaded guilty to five counts of capital murder and two counts of shooting into an occupied vehicle. He was sentenced to life without parole.
On August 13, 2007, the suspect was found unconscious in his cell and rushed to a hospital where he died a week later. The autopsy report stated that he died from complications of bronchopneumonia.
Sergeant Russell had served with the Athens Police Department for 19 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Sergeant Russell gave the Athens Police Department 19 years.
Thank you for your service to the Athens community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Russell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Athens Police Department has lost 6 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Larry is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
Larry is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Larry 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 2004, 6 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 2004, 79 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 86th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2004, 84 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Larry was 42. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40. Larry had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Larry was 42. 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. Larry had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Larry was 42. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Larry had served 19 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 9.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Fridays: 14.6%.
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 66.7% of all 6 deaths at Athens Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; 7.62 mm, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; 7.62 mm, in 0.5% 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 rifle; 7.62 mm, in 0% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle; 7.62 mm, in 0% of these deaths.
His people
Athens Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Larry among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 4-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Athens Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
