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 Antonio Aleman
Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office, NM
EOW: July 8, 2025

Officer Miguel Cano
California Highway Patrol, CA
EOW: July 2, 2025

Deputy Sheriff Devin Mason
Darlington County Sheriff's Office, SC
EOW: July 1, 2025

Detention Officer Francisco Paul Flattes
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: June 30, 2025

Police Officer Kelvin Patrick
Detroit Police Department, MI
EOW: February 6, 2025

Supervisory Special Agent Dennis M. Wagner, Jr.
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Investigation, US
EOW: March 5, 2025

Police Officer Kendall Isaiah Corder
Milwaukee Police Department, WI
EOW: June 29, 2025

Undersheriff Brandon Gaede
Phillips County Sheriff's Office, KS
EOW: June 27, 2025

Sergeant Shiou Deng
Los Angeles Police Department, CA
EOW: June 23, 2025