Private Michael Donell Stephenson

Michael Donell Stephenson

Private Michael Stephenson was shot twice and killed while making an arrest at the Jamestown Elementary School at 3636 Hiers Boulevard in Hephzibah.

He had responded to a burglary alarm at the Jamestown Elementary School at 4:30 am. Upon arriving at the scene, he saw a subject walking on the school grounds carrying a backpack. He detained the suspect and placed him in the rear of his cruiser without handcuffing him. To avoid complaints from parents, the Board of Education policy at the time prevented officers from handcuffing students.

The suspect had managed to conceal a gun in his hat and, while still seated in the back of the patrol car, opened fire on Private Stephenson as he spoke to a janitor who had responded to the alarm. Despite being wounded twice, Officer Stephenson was able to return fire but did not strike the suspect.

The subject fled the scene but was later arrested. He was convicted of Private Stephenson's murder and was subsequently sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

Private Stephenson had served with the Richmond County Board of Education Police Department for two years and had previously served with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife and two young sons.