James Johnson
1984
James Spencer Johnson.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
What Happened
Patrolman James Johnson was shot and killed inside an apartment while attempting to arrest a woman for auto theft at the East Glen Elderly Apartments at 1801 Hagadorn Road in East Lansing. As he struggled with the woman, her male companion emerged from a bathroom and shot him in the back of the head. The two fled on foot to a nearby residence, where they shot and killed the unsuspecting owner. As they were trying to steal her car, they were arrested by police. The man was convicted of first-degree murder and second-degree murder and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. The woman was acquitted of Patrolman Johnson's murder but was convicted of the other murder and sentenced to life. Patrolman Johnson was a United States Army Vietnam veteran and had served with the East Lansing Police Department for 11 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and six children.
Service Record
Also Served
East Lansing Police Department
Patrolman
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
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Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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