Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri
End of Watch Sunday, February 8, 1987
Add to My HeroesRussell Wynn Harper
Trooper Russell Harper was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle for speeding.
The man exited his truck and opened fire with an automatic weapon, killing Trooper Harper before he could exit his cruiser. Over 25 shots were fired at Trooper Harper's patrol car.
The suspect, a convicted felon with a long history of arrests and convictions, was arrested two days later. He was executed on April 4, 1998, for the murder of Trooper Harper.
Trooper Harper had been with the Missouri State Highway Patrol for 18 years. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and a stepdaughter.
Bio
- Age 45
- Tour 18 years
- Badge 670
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Rifle; Semi-automatic
- Offender Executed in 1998
Most Recent Reflection
View all 26 ReflectionsTrooper Harper, You are not forgotten by the men and women of Massachusetts Law Enforcement. RIP
Mike Kane
Retired Detective, Boston Police Dept.
August 12, 2023
Recent LODD Deaths

Deputy Sheriff Jacob Eric Salrin
Richland County Sheriff's Department, SC
EOW: September 29, 2023

Community Parole Officer Christine Guerin-Sandoval
Colorado Department of Corrections, CO
EOW: September 28, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Marylin Anjanette Mayo
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office, LA
EOW: September 21, 2023

Police Officer Darrin McMichael
Arlington Police Department, TX
EOW: September 21, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clinkunbroomer
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: September 16, 2023

Governmental Affairs Liaison Michael Elaine Griffin
Mississippi Department of Public Safety, MS
EOW: September 4, 2023

Police Officer Kevin Cram
Algona Police Department, IA
EOW: September 13, 2023

Deputy Sheriff II Auston Smith Reudelhuber
Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 9, 2023

Detective Robert Garten
Hartford Police Department, CT
EOW: September 6, 2023