Kansas Highway Patrol, Kansas
End of Watch Tuesday, October 2, 1973
Add to My HeroesJames Donald Thornton
Trooper James Thornton was shot and killed while checking on a hitchhiker on I-70 near Topeka, Kansas.
The suspect was wanted in New York for the murder of his father. The suspect was shot and killed by other officers when he refused to surrender.
Trooper Thornton had served with the Kansas Highway Patrol for 24 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.
Bio
- Age 52
- Tour 24 years
- Badge 47
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 16 ReflectionsTrooper Thornton,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just as a Law Enforcement Officer but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army during World War II. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
October 2, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Paul Martin
Mercer County Sheriff's Office, ND
EOW: December 6, 2023

Police Officer Paul Tracey
Waltham Police Department, MA
EOW: December 6, 2023

Trooper Alberto Felix
Nevada Department of Public Safety - Nevada Highway Patrol, NV
EOW: November 30, 2023

Sergeant Michael Abbate
Nevada Department of Public Safety - Nevada Highway Patrol, NV
EOW: November 30, 2023

Sergeant Michael Moran
Cortez Police Department, CO
EOW: November 29, 2023

Detective James Michael Lett
Benton Police Department, AR
EOW: November 8, 2023

Border Patrol Agent Freddy Ortiz
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - United States Border Patrol, US
EOW: November 14, 2023

Correctional Officer III Jovian Motley
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Correctional Institutions Division, TX
EOW: November 13, 2023

Sergeant Jon Arden Jenson
Fort Worth Police Department, TX
EOW: October 28, 2023